The Joy of Reading

Reading is essential. It doesn’t get any simpler than that. Whether you are silently reading or reading to someone else, reading can keep your mind thinking, introduce one to language, and can be a lot of fun too. It is a skill that enables one to study, learn, interpret and challenge information presented to him. Everyday functions, like reading a recipe, understanding driving directions, or just reading a book or magazine are easier to do and make life less confusing and more manageable.

My oldest, who will be starting “kindergarten/1st grade” this fall, started reading last year. To encourage his interest and improve his reading skills, he reads one book to the family everyday. He doesn’t read a novel. We get early readers from the library because children go through those like an infant goes through baby clothes. Sometimes, he reads one of the board books I use to read to him, to his brother and sister. The two younger ones enjoy a good read, my oldest gets practice reading, and they all get to practice listening to language. This is a great way to keep them busy when I have to get some things done around the house.

If you have taught your child to read, then you already know the gratification of listening to and watching him read. If you are in the process of teaching your child to read, then I encourage you to keep going and if this isn’t the time, then you will know. I remember wondering if he would ever learn to read after starting so many times. He wasn’t really ready the first, second (or third) time. One day, he just started reading and it all of a sudden made sense to him (what a relief to me).

There are many summer reading programs that encourage and reward children for reading during their summer break. Our local library has a program where the children record the books they read and at the end of the summer receive free books and recognition. The Old Schoolhouse introduced their new summer reading program called Summer Reading Splash, which has alot of cool things for parents (tips and encouragement) and children (weekly prizes, activity sheets, etc.). Hurry and get started because it is over Thursday, July 31. Barnes & Noble is also promoting Summer Reading w/Andrew Clements, which requires the child to journal and read. This event runs through Tuesday, September 2.

Besides the regular daily reading we do, we are reading (Mommy is reading) The Chronicles of Narnia. I remember The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe being read to me in elementary school. It was a popular book at the time, and once again, it has made it back on the charts. One of the things we will do upon completion of the book is watch the movie. It will be interesting to see how well the book was translated to film. So far, the children are curious to know what is happening to Polly and Digory. Even my one year old sits still while I’m reading.

We are always teaching our children (even when we don’t want to – I have a few habits to break) and one of the best ways to nurture a love of reading is to read yourself and to let them see you reading. I am looking forward to putting this to practice. I believe that I have read about five books, to completion, within the last six years. What a sad testament. Much of my summer will be filled with reading resources and curriculum books for school. I am actually looking forward to those reads as I plan for the school year, but I will also squeeze a few non-academic reads in there too.

Whether you participate in a structured read-a-thon or decide to go it on your own, cuddle and enjoy the time spent with your children.

Snapshots

Snapshots is a regular feature at this blog. I am a picture taking fool (just ask my children), but sometimes great shots happen and you don't have a camera. So, what do you do? You preserve the memory in your mind and at some later time, upon remembering, it may make you laugh, cry, or even roll your eyes as you recollect that special time. I have alot of those missed camera shots because I didn't have my camera. Other times, I've had a camera, but while fiddling with the lens cap or trying to get the right angle, not only missed a great picture, but I also missed the "ooh-ahh" moment that I was trying to capture. Sometimes you need to put the camera down and just enjoy the blessing of life and the people around you. I remember an experience I had while visiting my mother in-law, whom we see maybe once a year due to travelling distance and the fact she and my father in-law no longer fly. After a day full of me taking pictures, because I wanted to "preserve the moment," she finally asked me very lovingly "are you done yet!" I immediately put the camera down and started spending time with HER which is why we were there.

There are times when only a camera will do because the shot is just too funny or something you may never see again, as shown above. This is a picture taken of my now four year old daughter when she was 19 months old. To this day, it still makes me laugh. I can only imagine how it will make me feel 20 years from now. For those experiences where the camera shot was never taken, I'm thankful for my ability to write and occasionally journal about something that I don't want to forget and know I'll enjoy reading about when I'm old and gray rocking in my favorite chair.

Children are so precious and as I'm told (and am learning), grow quickly and I should preserve as many memories as I can. This is also true for life experiences. Don't miss out because you're trying to get that "perfect snapshot." Instead, enjoy the experience and later write a few words that will help you occasionally recapture that moment and that will be your "snapshot."

A picture speaks "a thousand words," and I'm going to allow this picture of my daughter to do just that. It will be left up to the reader's imagination. I'll admit that I'm glad I had a camera and was able to remove the lens cap quickly enough before she figured out what she was doing.

It Is Now Time

I have been planning for this moment for more than five years when I first pushed my oldest son in a stroller at the annual Chea Convention. Here I am, two more children later and NOW that little man is about to start his official first year of homeschool. It is the official year meaning that my husband and I will complete the necessary paperwork to let the school district know that our son is "ripe and ready" for school, but will be receiving his education from his academically competent parents.

We have been "homeschooling," as do all parents everytime they teach their child something, since he was capable of learning. Why, once a child turns five or six, does a parent believe he is no longer competent enough to teach his child as they have been doing for the first years of their life and decide to send them off to be taught by another? I don’t know. The first six years have been great, he has learned, and we are going to continue teaching, learning, and having fun at home as long as God provides the opportunity, the guidance, the wisdom, and the finances for this journey.

I am extremely excited about what I am going to learn (the first time and second time around), what our children will learn and share with us, and catching a glimpse of the sparkle in their eyes when something all of a sudden makes sense. It has been exciting teaching our oldest son how to read and listening to him read to his younger sister and brother.

With this blog and forum, I hope to learn from and share with other homeschoolers (novices to the seasoned) our homeschooling experiences. I am expectant, sometimes overwhelmed, and incredibly excited about beginning this next stage in our lives. Pray for my children and me (“pleeeeeze” – because I really need it). Read, join in at will, and let’s help each other by sharing. As you know, these years are going to go by quickly. Give them the best that you can, teach them everything you know, and all the rest you can learn together.