About a month ago, Silas decided he was ready to learn how to read. He asked for my help getting started on this project, but being the independent learner that he is, he is pretty much teaching himself. That isn't a surprise, he always prefers to figure things out on his own, just as he did when he learned to swim and ride a bike.
His plan involves lots of book reading, but now, in addition to me reading to him, he reads to me and Levi by memorizing the text of favorite books. He is learning letter sounds through websites like starfall and this video. He works on those letter sounds throughout the day, figuring things out through conversation and observation. It is amazing to watch him discover this new world.
He has also been doing a lot of writing and made his own alphabet book. Levi is working on one too, with a little help from his big brother.
Here is page from his book:
W for whale, i for ice cream.
I know I'm impartial, but I love it!
Way to go Si!
Si's a doer and a reader, and Tiny too! I can't wait to read their books.
Posted by: Mark | May 21, 2010 at 10:09 AM
Coolest kids ever! LOVE Silas' book :)
Posted by: Lisa | May 21, 2010 at 09:27 PM
This is so amazing! I am really wishing that I had been more patient with my oldest.... I have pushed him when he didn't want to be pushed and his natural desire to read is no longer there, he is now only motivated by my bribing and rewards. I am inspired by Silas and it really makes me feel like not pushing my son at all anymore. Wow! Way to go Silas and Way to Go Mom! Your confidence and patience are certainly paying off!
Posted by: Deb | May 21, 2010 at 09:31 PM
Michelle, I am really enjoying your blog. I am so glad that you found me through the small change project and it is great to find another blog about a family in Maine. :)
My oldest daughter is three and my husband and I have had many conversations about how we want to handle school once she hits kindergarten age... I am inspired by Silas's motivation to teach himself to read... I am somewhat intimidated by the idea of homeschooling but it gets more and more appealing as Laila gets older.
Laura
Posted by: Laura | May 28, 2010 at 10:02 AM
Thanks Laura! I remember when Silas was your daughters age and Levi was just a little baby, I was totally intimidated by the idea of homeschooling too. But, as time went on I read and learned more about it, it just seemed like the perfect fit for our family. Now, we cant imagine doing anything different. I am sure you will find the right fit for your family too.
Congratulations on the new baby, she is beautiful!
Posted by: Michelle | May 30, 2010 at 05:06 PM
take a look it's in a book..a reading rainbow!! woot! woot! go ahead Silas!
Posted by: alison Shutty | May 30, 2010 at 10:21 PM
Aunt Ali,
Im not reading yet, but I probably will be soon. Im figuring out a lot of sounds, like sun has an s.
Silas
Posted by: Michelle | May 31, 2010 at 08:40 AM