Homeschool Diva

Children learn new skills differently.  It is very interesting to me how our children have taken to reading.  Our oldest is reading wonderfully, however, isn’t drawn to do it on his own.  He will in time.  Everyday, we do a phonics lesson and, of course, read out loud tons throughout the day.  He is my snuggler and loves the cuddle time.  Our daughter is a “worker”. She loves to give love and receive love by helping or doing something.  Everyday, she begs for me to teach her to read.  (She is just a new 4.) “No more sounds Mom that is for babies!  I want a long line of words like Jackson with a picture!”  I thought, I will patronize her and give her a one of Jackson’s reading lessons.  (Note to self - never patronize children when they are earnestly wanting to learn something new!)To my wonder and amazement, she got it all.  My mouth was hanging open…honestly.  I was shocked and then the other day, I figured out how she has learned to read so quickly. 

Everyday we do a phonics lesson on the couch with her older brother.  The other children are nestled around somewhere.  She seems to wriggle around and get perched above us on the back of the couch so she can have a clear view.  I couldn’t’ understand why this was so important to her.  It was a distraction to me…her fidgeting with the curtains and  bopping around.  Last week I made her get down and sit on the floor and she wailed and wailed.  Again, I am thinking, this isn’t a normal response.  So the other day I actually picked up the “clue phone”.  I told her she could sit quietly behind us but she couldn’t be a distraction, and Jackson and I continued with our lesson.  Half way through, Jackson paused for some time at a word, “sheep” I think. From behind we hear this little voice say “sheep”.

Um - “Hello”!!!! - She had been piggy backing on Jackson’s lessons everyday, without me realizing it.