I’m teaching our youngest child to read. I’ve been doing this for so many years – it’s become a lifestyle. But this is my last time around.
I’ve taken it slower with our younger ones. Besides, who’s in a hurry? Not me – not THIS time.
The process of learning to read is nothing short of miraculous. My husband is amazed at the transformation of each child as they begin to read. Samuel (our youngest) is 6 now – and we’re almost there.
Our kids have begun to read anywhere between the ages of 3 and 7. They all eventually GET IT. I’m the one that’s been the slow learner in the bunch. I’ve learned … through the years … that they need time and I need patience. I’ve learned not to compare their progress with other “child prodigies” (regardless of how vocal their mother’s are) and to embrace the process by giving them my full time and attention during this surge of mental growth.
I don’t rush through reading lessons and mark them off my list…anymore. We find a comfortable place to sit together and go through Teach Your Child to Read in 100 Easy Lessons. And deep down – I hope it takes 100 lessons – although it never does. I want to savor this process – one last time. This isn’t merely about learning letters and sounds – it’s an opportune time for a mother and her child to learn and grow – together.
I’ve chosen curriculum to match my time commitment and pocketbook. Through the years I’ve also used Christ Centered Curriculum, Abeka and Veritas Press for reading.
It only takes a basic understanding of the process, a solid curriculum to guide and …patience.
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I love hearing your heart about your last baby. I can totally relate as everything that I do with Cooper – no matter how big or small – is monumental to me… since it seems that it is the last time that I will get to mother this stage of a little human’s life. Time passes so quickly! It makes me want to be very intentional with all that I do with my kids. BTW, I tried to use 100 Easy Lessons with my first child, and we about killed each other over it.
I will admit, she was late 4 – early 5, and I was just sure that she was “ready to read” because she knew her letters and sounds. (Crazy first-time-mom!) With Cooper, I have not tried to teach him anything about reading yet, and he is sounding out things on signs and packages and books. It’s funny how our perspective changes over the years. That is why I am so excited to hear your perspectives! You have so much wisdom after learning to mother for so many years. Thank you for sharing!
Well said Debi! I sure wish I had access to your blog during my day…but you know we didn’t even know what a blog was…come to think of it we didn’t even have the internet in those early days!! Love you! Keep up the good work!
Debi – Just happened upon this post while searching for exactly this type of thing – what you have used/liked in the first years of schooling. My oldest is only 3.5, but I’m looking ahead so that I am ready when he is ready! I’m learning so much simply by watching how he learns, following his interests…it floored me when he showed me that he drew and “M” and an “L” the other day. I haven’t asked him or tried to get him to “write”. He just did it because he wanted to!! They are so curious.
When you get a chance, can you share what some of your favorite resources are for a “first time” homeschooling mama? I’ve already requested catalogs from several places, and am trying not to get lost in the browsing
My favorite thing is reading what experienced Mothers like, and why!
Oh, and when you say the “Teach your Child to Read in 100″ only requires a basic understanding of the process….I don’t have an education background or anything, so I genuinely have no idea how one goes about teaching a child to read! I gather that a common mistake is to push it too early and too fast, so I am eager not to make that mistake
Any suggestions? To teach ME? 
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