Learning to Read

Ryan has started to read books on his own.  He relies on sight word recognition, context clues, and memory to help him read. 

Sight words are words that appear frequently in the literature that kids read, but can't be sounded out.  Since he currently knows about 70 sight words, he can easily identify most of the words in his favorite books.

In addition, a lot of the early reader books include detailed pictures to provide visual context for the story and help children fill in the gaps for words they are unable to read.

Finally, Ryan has a memory like an elephant.  It's amazing how much he retains after one reading of a book.  For example, a few months ago I read him a Batman book that he had gotten for Christmas.  Mike had only read the book to him once before.  The text used the word "goons" to refer to the Joker's henchmen.  Assuming that language was a little advanced for him, I substituted "bad guys" for "goons."  He immediately noticed and corrected me!

Regardless of what resources he uses to help him read, we're extremely proud of the progress he's made.  Here he reads a book about snails that his teacher sent home. 

I must admit, despite how excited I am about this development, I am a little sad, too.  I really enjoy the time we spend cuddled together reading books before nap and bed time.  It's another example of why the song, "You're Gonna Miss This" by Trace Adkins that I referenced in a previous post is so meaningful and emotional for me.  I can remember those nights when we'd read Ryan 5 or more books before bed and he'd beg for "just one more book."  Naturally, after we gave in and read another book, he'd beg for another!  I didn't appreciate it at the time and now I'd do anything to have those days back.  All too soon, he'll be reading on his own completely and not need or want my help.  For now, the tables have turned and it's mommy pleading for "just one more book."