Funny isn't it, how in the span of a few moments you can be made to feel as if your life just isn't "up to par" with the expectations of the world! As a "stay at home"schooling" mom, this happens to me quite frequently.
There was a time that I always held a "job". In fact, I had my first job around the age of 15 when I went to work in the local dairy bar during the summer. I moved up to a restaurant, then factory work, back to the restaurant scene, and just kept right on going. I held jobs as a secretary in different types of offices. I have been a cashier, and moved up to managing aspects of the store. I have worked in the public school system as an aide and a substitute teacher. My list of "jobs" is rather long! During much of that time, I was also raising three daughters and trying to be involved in their day to day lives as well. That was, after all, how it was "supposed" to be done. In the eyes of others, my life had worth!
Now that I am staying home and schooling Michael, I have found that in the eyes of (most of) the world, what I do is of little, or no, importance! I really do find this quite sad, and not just for me, but for the countless other moms who are being made to feel this exact same way!
At a recent gathering of a group to which I belong, the "pedigrees" of those involved were being touted to the audience.... doctors, nurses, professional musicians, computer techs, artists.... the list went on.... and not once was a "stay-at-home-mom" (SAHM) mentioned! Now, I was not surprised by that in the least. But it did get me to begin thinking about how people view those of us who have made the choice (dare I say sacrifice!) to stay at home. We are viewed as being "less" by the world, but I believe that we deserve more than that!
When we made the decision that I would remain at home, it was a sacrifice of an additional income. That means that, while we have everything that we "need", we don't always get everything that we "want". I have had to become careful about our spending. I have learned to be on the look-out for deals and shop the clearance aisles. I have become knowledgeable about the best times to shop the meat department, and I've learned that there is nothing wrong with being frugal! While I do not "make" money as a SAHM, I have found creative ways to save money!
Our decision was a sacrifice of "alone" time. I am now with our son 24/7. That means that from the time that his feet hit the floor, until the time they lead him back to bed, he is by my side. From his first words of the day, to his last words of "good-night".... I get all the words in between. And let me tell you, there are a LOT of words! Occasionally, I will sneak away to Walmart while he stays with his Dad... it is kind of like a mini-vacation!!! Time for myself is not very plentiful!
Our decision was a sacrifice of career. You see, I had gone back to college, and had just switched my major to Early Childhood Education (from a medical field), having made the decision to finally go for that teaching degree I'd always wanted. When I was younger, I had dreamed of being a teacher, it just didn't happen. Having been a substitute teacher for several years, I knew that this was what I wanted to do, and I was determined to make it happen. God had other plans, and while I may not have my degree, I AM the teacher that I knew I was meant to be. Yet, if I had that degree, people would view my teaching in a much different light!
At times like these, when I am feeling that I am "less", I am learning to dig deep and remember WHY I am here. I remember that it was answering God's call on our lives that led us to adopt our son. I remember that He placed him with us because he trusted us to do what was in his best interest. I remember that God, who created me with this purpose in mind, isn't the God of "less", but the God of "more", and that my worth is found solely in Him alone.
I trust in that.... I truly do. And when I am made to feel "less", I just remember that God has "more" in store for me than I can even imagine. He has given us "more" so that I can stay at home and give Michael all that he needs. He has provided "more" patience than I thought it was possible to have! He has led me to "more"ways to help Michael learn, even at those times when I thought I was "less" than capable. God has led us to a church home, where I can continue to grow in Christ. We have become part of a Community Group, and even on those nights when Michael goes with us, I find that I am able to recharge by "adult time" batteries! I love the "more" than comes for listening to God's prompting!
I love being where God has planted me..... I am His child, I am a wife, I am a mom and nanny, and I STAY AT HOME.... which also makes me a doctor, a nurse, an office manager, a teacher, a cook, a custodian, a transportation expert, a personal shopper, an accountant....and the list goes on an on!!!
And before you say it.... this is NOT a slam to those of you who not only work, but do all of the above... I have been where you are!!! You are AMAZING!!! You deserve a huge pat on the back, because I know that it is hard to work and juggle a household. In fact, you deserve a standing ovation!!!
But.... to those of you what have chosen a different path... a path that has led you to become a SAHM.... you deserve the same affirmation. You are AMAZING!!!! Don't ever let anyone tell you any different!!!
YOU are MORE than enough!!!
Have a Blessed Day!
Lynn
Showing posts with label homeschool. Show all posts
Showing posts with label homeschool. Show all posts
Wednesday, September 3, 2014
Friday, August 1, 2014
It Isn't How you Learn...
We have started our fifth year of homeschool. It really doesn't seem possible that we've been doing this for that long, but we have!!! While there are times when I still question whether or not this is the right choice for Michael, I can honestly say that God has always stepped in to give us a clear answer.
Michael has made great strides in the past month... yes, we just finished day 26 of his 5th grade year. We have chosen to go to a year round format, and there are many that would say that just "isn't right". For us, it is going to be what makes all the difference for Michael.
At the end of Michael's third grade year we took off the entire summer, as we had based our calendar on the public school's calendar. When we started back up in August of that year it was a total disaster. Talk about stress!! He had forgotten just about everything he had learned. Oh, he could still read, do simple math, and could still write, but anything beyond that was, simply, gone! I knew that neither one of us was ready to go through that again. The solution was simple - don't take such long breaks.
This year we took off for three weeks at the end of his fourth grade year. We are now on a four day school week, taking Friday off each week. If something comes up during the week and we'd like to take off an additional day, we do it. We make it up the following week on Friday! So far, it has really been great. We have been able to pick up right where we left off, and he has retained everything. This has been a huge blessing for both of us!
I have also found out over the years that Michael likes to move around when he works. There have been many a day where he has stood up while learning a subject. And when he reads... well, I'm never quite sure just what position I will find him in!!!
This used to drive me crazy, but now I don't even mind, as long as he is reading, and retaining what he reads.
As long as I allow him to "fidget" he gets the work done. This is something that would never be tolerated in a public classroom. He would be forced to sit in a chair, and that just does not suit his learning style!
When we first began our homeschooling adventure I tried to keep our day as close to a public school day as I could. After all, I had worked in the public school system for a number of years in a substitute teacher capacity, and that is what I knew. Now, if he wants to stand to do his math... go for it! Stand, sit on the floor, work in the dining room, work in the school room... I don't care, as long as the work is completed and retained!
You see, it isn't HOW you learn that is important, but the fact that you LEARN that truly matters. Here, we work at Michael's pace... and we keep plugging away until he has the concept down. We don't rush through things just to say that we're finished.... slow and steady wins the race!
I'm beyond thankful that God has given me this time to spend with Michael, and that we have chosen to head his call to homeschool. It isn't always easy, but it IS what we've been called to do. I know there are many who feel that kids who are homeschooled don't get enough "socialization". Many feel that kids need to be "making friends" and that the only way to learn to get along with others is to be out in the classroom. Mickey and I??? We feel that a classroom environment would force Michael to retreat into his shell... we fear that he would be bullied because he is "different"... we know that he would be "lost" in a world that moves at too quick a pace. We trust that what we are doing is following God leading, and that He wants only what is in Michael's best interest. We will continue to ask for God's direction, and follow wherever he takes us. Homeschool isn't for every child. It isn't for every family. For us... it is right where Michael is meant to be.
Have a Blessed Day!
Lynn
Michael has made great strides in the past month... yes, we just finished day 26 of his 5th grade year. We have chosen to go to a year round format, and there are many that would say that just "isn't right". For us, it is going to be what makes all the difference for Michael.
At the end of Michael's third grade year we took off the entire summer, as we had based our calendar on the public school's calendar. When we started back up in August of that year it was a total disaster. Talk about stress!! He had forgotten just about everything he had learned. Oh, he could still read, do simple math, and could still write, but anything beyond that was, simply, gone! I knew that neither one of us was ready to go through that again. The solution was simple - don't take such long breaks.
This year we took off for three weeks at the end of his fourth grade year. We are now on a four day school week, taking Friday off each week. If something comes up during the week and we'd like to take off an additional day, we do it. We make it up the following week on Friday! So far, it has really been great. We have been able to pick up right where we left off, and he has retained everything. This has been a huge blessing for both of us!
I have also found out over the years that Michael likes to move around when he works. There have been many a day where he has stood up while learning a subject. And when he reads... well, I'm never quite sure just what position I will find him in!!!
This used to drive me crazy, but now I don't even mind, as long as he is reading, and retaining what he reads.
As long as I allow him to "fidget" he gets the work done. This is something that would never be tolerated in a public classroom. He would be forced to sit in a chair, and that just does not suit his learning style!
When we first began our homeschooling adventure I tried to keep our day as close to a public school day as I could. After all, I had worked in the public school system for a number of years in a substitute teacher capacity, and that is what I knew. Now, if he wants to stand to do his math... go for it! Stand, sit on the floor, work in the dining room, work in the school room... I don't care, as long as the work is completed and retained!
You see, it isn't HOW you learn that is important, but the fact that you LEARN that truly matters. Here, we work at Michael's pace... and we keep plugging away until he has the concept down. We don't rush through things just to say that we're finished.... slow and steady wins the race!
I'm beyond thankful that God has given me this time to spend with Michael, and that we have chosen to head his call to homeschool. It isn't always easy, but it IS what we've been called to do. I know there are many who feel that kids who are homeschooled don't get enough "socialization". Many feel that kids need to be "making friends" and that the only way to learn to get along with others is to be out in the classroom. Mickey and I??? We feel that a classroom environment would force Michael to retreat into his shell... we fear that he would be bullied because he is "different"... we know that he would be "lost" in a world that moves at too quick a pace. We trust that what we are doing is following God leading, and that He wants only what is in Michael's best interest. We will continue to ask for God's direction, and follow wherever he takes us. Homeschool isn't for every child. It isn't for every family. For us... it is right where Michael is meant to be.
Have a Blessed Day!
Lynn
Tuesday, May 20, 2014
Only Eight More Days
After Michael is finished with today's work, there are only 8 more days of school. He is excited... to say the least! He is really looking forward to some time off. We are going to be changing things up a bit for the upcoming year. He won't be getting as much time off between sessions as he would like, but I think it will make a huge difference! We are going to go in to year round school beginning in June.
In Indiana, one only need to keep record of attendance to homeschool a child, and you have to show that they have "attended" 180 school days. That's it... nothing more. Which makes Indiana a great state for homeschooling! As long as I keep track of our days of schooling, I can choose what Michael is taught, which often includes lessons about Christ!!! Another bonus! We can do those 180 days any way we like!
We will start in mid-June, and we will be doing a 4 day week - Monday through Thursday. He will get a three day weekend every week! We will also take a week off in October, a week in December, and a week in April. All of those breaks coincide with the breaks of the grandkids, so they can come and spend time with us! I really believe that going year round will help with his retention.
We are also looking forward to attending Community VBS this year. I'm going to be teaching Michael's group, and love the opportunity to meet a few more kiddos in the community. He will also be taking swim lessons again in July. I think we are going to go ahead and get a pool pass, too. Summer, even with school mixed in, is shaping up to be a fun time.
Have a Blessed Day!
Lynn
In Indiana, one only need to keep record of attendance to homeschool a child, and you have to show that they have "attended" 180 school days. That's it... nothing more. Which makes Indiana a great state for homeschooling! As long as I keep track of our days of schooling, I can choose what Michael is taught, which often includes lessons about Christ!!! Another bonus! We can do those 180 days any way we like!
We will start in mid-June, and we will be doing a 4 day week - Monday through Thursday. He will get a three day weekend every week! We will also take a week off in October, a week in December, and a week in April. All of those breaks coincide with the breaks of the grandkids, so they can come and spend time with us! I really believe that going year round will help with his retention.
We are also looking forward to attending Community VBS this year. I'm going to be teaching Michael's group, and love the opportunity to meet a few more kiddos in the community. He will also be taking swim lessons again in July. I think we are going to go ahead and get a pool pass, too. Summer, even with school mixed in, is shaping up to be a fun time.
Have a Blessed Day!
Lynn
Thursday, May 15, 2014
Another year... come and gone!!!
Ahhh... yet another year of blogging failure!!! Why is it that for so many years I kept up, and now... I fail!!!!
ANYWAY.....
We are at the end of yet another school year... our fourth. SO hard to believe that the boy will be in the 5th grade soon! As he reminds me often that he will be 12 years old in September. Time just seems to keep flying past me, and there isn't a thing that I can do to make it slow down!
This has been a year of more surgeries and dental issues. He has had numerous teeth removed... not once, but twice! His bone graft has healed wonderfully, and we are preparing for the next phase of the game - orthodontics. I have a feeling that we'll be waiting for some of these permanent teeth to erupt before we move on, and that is fine with me. Think he is ready for a break!
On the school front, he has made some progress this year. We've been working on reading comprehension, and it has really made an improvement in his understanding of what he reads. I began using Spectrum Reading mid-year, and I really love the way it works for him. Even though he is "techically" in the 4th grade (you know, in homeschool it REALLY doesn't work that way?!) he has been working through the 2nd grade book. I am a firm believer that you need to meet a child where the need is. These workbooks are filled with short, one page stories that are followed by questions he must answer. It is really helping with his comprehension skills. He still has a way to go, but I see progress.
Math has gone much better since we made the switch to Singapore math. He just started working in the Primary 3A book. Again, I went right back to the beginning when we switched. There were skills he was lacking, and he was able to pick them up by doing this. When I first thought about going so far back, I had a hard time with that... I felt that I was admitting to failure. But then I remembered that it was OKAY to meet his needs where they are. That is part of the reason we decided to homeschool!!! So back we went, and I'm so glad that we did. His frustration level (and mine!) saw a sharp decrease almost immediately!!!
In reading, he finished Farmer Boy a few weeks ago and he really enjoyed it. We've had to go back to "reading together" as he was 'cheating' a bit on his reading. He was just wanting to get finished so he could play or watch TV. Now he has to read TO me again, but that is okay. If he has a GOOD day, then he can have cartoon time in the afternoon. If he isn't concentrating, then he gets no TV until after supper. That has really had him working harder! And on an "exceptional day" I might let him have an hour of Wii or Xbox during the week!!! (We have found an incentive that works for him.... and we're not afraid to use it!!!) He is currently reading Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone, and we're discussing what makes this a fictional book!!
This year we've also found some great unit studies to "fill in the gaps". He has also completed some lap books as well. He is a "hands on" learner, and those have been a great way to get his brain in the game!! If you're looking for unit studies, Unit Studies by Amanda Bennett is a great resource ! (www.unitstudy.com) There are sales often! With a little searching you can also find many studies that are free!! Above was one of Michael's favorite projects this year!!
In other news.... Mickey retired in March after 30 years with the Indiana State Police. He had 35 years total in law enforcement. To celebrate he and I took a trip to Jamaica! Since our return he has had plenty of jobs in the "job jar" to keep him busy, and he has taken a part-time job. We're happy to have him home more often. However, if I keep adding more jobs to the jar he might be out looking for a full-time job so he can get some rest!
Well, it has been nice "visiting"! I hope it isn't another year before I get around to another post. I'll try to do better.
Did I mention... only 10 more school days until we take our break??? Excited?? Yes.... we're counting down the days!!!
Have a Blessed Day!
Lynn
ANYWAY.....
We are at the end of yet another school year... our fourth. SO hard to believe that the boy will be in the 5th grade soon! As he reminds me often that he will be 12 years old in September. Time just seems to keep flying past me, and there isn't a thing that I can do to make it slow down!
This has been a year of more surgeries and dental issues. He has had numerous teeth removed... not once, but twice! His bone graft has healed wonderfully, and we are preparing for the next phase of the game - orthodontics. I have a feeling that we'll be waiting for some of these permanent teeth to erupt before we move on, and that is fine with me. Think he is ready for a break!
On the school front, he has made some progress this year. We've been working on reading comprehension, and it has really made an improvement in his understanding of what he reads. I began using Spectrum Reading mid-year, and I really love the way it works for him. Even though he is "techically" in the 4th grade (you know, in homeschool it REALLY doesn't work that way?!) he has been working through the 2nd grade book. I am a firm believer that you need to meet a child where the need is. These workbooks are filled with short, one page stories that are followed by questions he must answer. It is really helping with his comprehension skills. He still has a way to go, but I see progress.
Math has gone much better since we made the switch to Singapore math. He just started working in the Primary 3A book. Again, I went right back to the beginning when we switched. There were skills he was lacking, and he was able to pick them up by doing this. When I first thought about going so far back, I had a hard time with that... I felt that I was admitting to failure. But then I remembered that it was OKAY to meet his needs where they are. That is part of the reason we decided to homeschool!!! So back we went, and I'm so glad that we did. His frustration level (and mine!) saw a sharp decrease almost immediately!!!
In reading, he finished Farmer Boy a few weeks ago and he really enjoyed it. We've had to go back to "reading together" as he was 'cheating' a bit on his reading. He was just wanting to get finished so he could play or watch TV. Now he has to read TO me again, but that is okay. If he has a GOOD day, then he can have cartoon time in the afternoon. If he isn't concentrating, then he gets no TV until after supper. That has really had him working harder! And on an "exceptional day" I might let him have an hour of Wii or Xbox during the week!!! (We have found an incentive that works for him.... and we're not afraid to use it!!!) He is currently reading Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone, and we're discussing what makes this a fictional book!!
This year we've also found some great unit studies to "fill in the gaps". He has also completed some lap books as well. He is a "hands on" learner, and those have been a great way to get his brain in the game!! If you're looking for unit studies, Unit Studies by Amanda Bennett is a great resource ! (www.unitstudy.com) There are sales often! With a little searching you can also find many studies that are free!! Above was one of Michael's favorite projects this year!!
In other news.... Mickey retired in March after 30 years with the Indiana State Police. He had 35 years total in law enforcement. To celebrate he and I took a trip to Jamaica! Since our return he has had plenty of jobs in the "job jar" to keep him busy, and he has taken a part-time job. We're happy to have him home more often. However, if I keep adding more jobs to the jar he might be out looking for a full-time job so he can get some rest!
Well, it has been nice "visiting"! I hope it isn't another year before I get around to another post. I'll try to do better.
Did I mention... only 10 more school days until we take our break??? Excited?? Yes.... we're counting down the days!!!
Have a Blessed Day!
Lynn
Wednesday, May 15, 2013
Where to go from here.....
As I stated previously, Friday is it... the last day... the finish of our third year of homeschool. While I've purchased some items all ready, the question still begs to be answered... where will we go from here?!!! And the answer... I just don't know... yet!
I have thought about enrolling Michael into a Classical Conversations group here... however, I'm just now sure that this is "him". I fear that it might just be more than he can deal with.
I have tried to get information on the local homeschool co-op... twice. I've called, and I've emailed... and so far, no one is talking! I understand that this next year is to be focused on drama and the "arts". Not sure that this would a good fit him either. He is about as outgoing as a turtle stuck in its shell!!!
I feel that it would benefit him to be in a group activity, to be around other children, to be taught by someone other than me. Yet, I'm not sure that he would do more than totally shut down.
Decisions, decisions, decisions! I've been doing some reading on all the different types of homeschooling that are out there. Pretty sure that we fit directly into what is called the "eclectic style". I pick and choose what I think will fit him and his style of learning. I also throw in unit study and lapbook work. With that said, I'm not sure that this style works well with Classical Conversations... and I don't want to confuse the issue now that we are starting to get somewhere!!!
So, if you're a homeschool family, what has been your take on Classical Conversations? Do you have a child who is pretty "backwards" when it comes to being around people they just don't know, and if so, how did they do in a group situation? I really like to hear how others may have handled a situation similar to this!
Have a Blessed Day!
Lynn
I have thought about enrolling Michael into a Classical Conversations group here... however, I'm just now sure that this is "him". I fear that it might just be more than he can deal with.
I have tried to get information on the local homeschool co-op... twice. I've called, and I've emailed... and so far, no one is talking! I understand that this next year is to be focused on drama and the "arts". Not sure that this would a good fit him either. He is about as outgoing as a turtle stuck in its shell!!!
I feel that it would benefit him to be in a group activity, to be around other children, to be taught by someone other than me. Yet, I'm not sure that he would do more than totally shut down.
Decisions, decisions, decisions! I've been doing some reading on all the different types of homeschooling that are out there. Pretty sure that we fit directly into what is called the "eclectic style". I pick and choose what I think will fit him and his style of learning. I also throw in unit study and lapbook work. With that said, I'm not sure that this style works well with Classical Conversations... and I don't want to confuse the issue now that we are starting to get somewhere!!!
So, if you're a homeschool family, what has been your take on Classical Conversations? Do you have a child who is pretty "backwards" when it comes to being around people they just don't know, and if so, how did they do in a group situation? I really like to hear how others may have handled a situation similar to this!
Have a Blessed Day!
Lynn
Monday, May 13, 2013
The Countdown is ON!
And exciting week here in the Neal household... it is our last week of school! Yippee!!! And Michael is EXCITED!
We've had a pretty good 3rd homeschool year. Half way through the year, I totally changed up his math. Switching from Horizon to Singapore Math has made a huge difference. He seems to be doing much better with their approach. His reading has taken off! He has gone from easy readers to chapter books this year... and he really is beginning to enjoy reading! He began writing stories at the end of this year, and is doing pretty good with that as well.
It hasn't all been roses... he still struggles with some concepts... money is a biggie. He also has a hard time with word problems in math. There are still areas where he is behind, but I've seen great strides. That has been awesome to see.
A major portion of his excitement to have school over stems from the fact that we'll be going on vacation soon. He really enjoys going to the beach... he loves the pool, and where we are going we'll have both. He thinks that will be pretty sweet. Not sure how he'll manage without his "grandkids" being there, or his Carly... but I hope that he'll still have fun with his "old fogey parents"!!!!
I've already purchased a good portion of our schoolwork for next year. I've got a few options that I'm looking at. A Classical Conversations group meets in the area. There is also a homeschool coop that meets as well. Not sure which would be good for him... or if either will work. Still checking into both. He is pretty shy, and has NO desire to be part of a group... so we'll see! I'll sit down and begin planning next year in earnest after our vacation is over...
What I'm absolutely sure of is that Homeschool has made a difference for Michael, and I'm so thankful that we are able to do this for him. His is growing is so many different aspects of his life, and I feel that being able to work one-on-one with him has been a huge blessing.
While I'm looking forward to taking a break, I'm also looking forward to what next year will bring....
Have a Blessed Day!
Lynn
We've had a pretty good 3rd homeschool year. Half way through the year, I totally changed up his math. Switching from Horizon to Singapore Math has made a huge difference. He seems to be doing much better with their approach. His reading has taken off! He has gone from easy readers to chapter books this year... and he really is beginning to enjoy reading! He began writing stories at the end of this year, and is doing pretty good with that as well.
It hasn't all been roses... he still struggles with some concepts... money is a biggie. He also has a hard time with word problems in math. There are still areas where he is behind, but I've seen great strides. That has been awesome to see.
A major portion of his excitement to have school over stems from the fact that we'll be going on vacation soon. He really enjoys going to the beach... he loves the pool, and where we are going we'll have both. He thinks that will be pretty sweet. Not sure how he'll manage without his "grandkids" being there, or his Carly... but I hope that he'll still have fun with his "old fogey parents"!!!!
I've already purchased a good portion of our schoolwork for next year. I've got a few options that I'm looking at. A Classical Conversations group meets in the area. There is also a homeschool coop that meets as well. Not sure which would be good for him... or if either will work. Still checking into both. He is pretty shy, and has NO desire to be part of a group... so we'll see! I'll sit down and begin planning next year in earnest after our vacation is over...
What I'm absolutely sure of is that Homeschool has made a difference for Michael, and I'm so thankful that we are able to do this for him. His is growing is so many different aspects of his life, and I feel that being able to work one-on-one with him has been a huge blessing.
While I'm looking forward to taking a break, I'm also looking forward to what next year will bring....
Have a Blessed Day!
Lynn
Friday, May 3, 2013
Reading is FUN....
Michael has recently taken off where reading in concerned! I am SO thankful that he is enjoying it. I come from a long line of readers... it is just something that has always happened around me, and I had hopes that he would come to enjoy it, many boys don't!
Last week I introduced him to chapter books that he could read alone. We've been reading the Little House books together (actually, I read, he listens!), but I wanted him to begin a series that he could read on his own. I found the Ready Freddy series at the library. That was PERFECT as my nephew and his wife recently had a new baby and named him Freddy. Something that he could relate to. So he is currently reading book one in the series... Tooth Trouble, and he is really enjoying it.
I had to laugh, he told me that it was a funny story, and it had bad words in it... I knew immediately what that bad word was... stupid. A word that we have always told him he can't say, along with the word fat, and a few other words that just aren't nice!!! It is great that those are the only "bad words" that he knows!!!!
I have always believed that reading should be fun... because reading is VERY important. If you can read, and understand what you read, then you can do anything. More than that... you can go anywhere. Reading can take you places you will never go to in "real life". It can take you to far away lands. It can take you to the moon and back. It can take you on adventures that will carry your imagination for days!
Right now, I love nothing more than to sit back and watch him read. I love watching him when something strikes him as funny and I see a smile, or hear a giggle. I love when he stops to tell me about the funny thing that has happened to Freddy. I love knowing that he is well on his way to many adventures that will carry him into adulthood.
I still have a few of my favorite childhood books, and he has read them all now. They are kept on a bookshelf with my "big books", and he loves to take them out to re-read them. I'm excited that he is learning to share my love for reading. A good story goes a long way!!! Best of all, yesterday he told me that when he grows up, he wants to make sure he keeps some of his favorite books so that when he has a son or a daughter, he can share them. Now that truly warmed my heart!!! I truly believe that for Michael, reading has become more than school work... it has become FUN!!!!
Have a Blessed Day!
Lynn
Last week I introduced him to chapter books that he could read alone. We've been reading the Little House books together (actually, I read, he listens!), but I wanted him to begin a series that he could read on his own. I found the Ready Freddy series at the library. That was PERFECT as my nephew and his wife recently had a new baby and named him Freddy. Something that he could relate to. So he is currently reading book one in the series... Tooth Trouble, and he is really enjoying it.
I had to laugh, he told me that it was a funny story, and it had bad words in it... I knew immediately what that bad word was... stupid. A word that we have always told him he can't say, along with the word fat, and a few other words that just aren't nice!!! It is great that those are the only "bad words" that he knows!!!!
I have always believed that reading should be fun... because reading is VERY important. If you can read, and understand what you read, then you can do anything. More than that... you can go anywhere. Reading can take you places you will never go to in "real life". It can take you to far away lands. It can take you to the moon and back. It can take you on adventures that will carry your imagination for days!
Right now, I love nothing more than to sit back and watch him read. I love watching him when something strikes him as funny and I see a smile, or hear a giggle. I love when he stops to tell me about the funny thing that has happened to Freddy. I love knowing that he is well on his way to many adventures that will carry him into adulthood.
I still have a few of my favorite childhood books, and he has read them all now. They are kept on a bookshelf with my "big books", and he loves to take them out to re-read them. I'm excited that he is learning to share my love for reading. A good story goes a long way!!! Best of all, yesterday he told me that when he grows up, he wants to make sure he keeps some of his favorite books so that when he has a son or a daughter, he can share them. Now that truly warmed my heart!!! I truly believe that for Michael, reading has become more than school work... it has become FUN!!!!
Have a Blessed Day!
Lynn
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