With each of my children, it has been such a special moment the first time I caught them reading to a younger sibling. Because not only are they reading a book on their own, but they're confident enough to read it to someone else. And even more, it shows love and care for their younger siblings, to sit and read to them. I just love that moment.
I always love seeing my olders read to my youngers ... but the first time I see them do it is so encouraging. It just confirms that I have taught another child to read, that I *can* do this thing called homeschooling.
This past week, it was especially encouraging to catch C (who will turn 8 any day now) reading Little Bear and Friends to her little brothers for the first time ever. She has also been reading little board books to 14 mo L. She and I have worked so hard to get to this point. She took over a year longer than her sisters did to learn to read, and she's been teased by some kids at church, too.
Every time I hear her reading, or see her reading to herself, I tell her "C, you are a good reader! You are doing great and I'm so proud of you!" I am trying to build her confidence, so she'll read more often, and continue to improve. I want her to stop thinking of herself as someone who can't read, and realize she IS a reader! Before that, I had worked on getting her to think of herself as someone who is learning to read, not as someone who can't read.
I have 3 readers now, and it's time to work on phonics with 6 yo J more. Reading is so important, and I love teaching my children to read.
Blessings,
April
