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Just wanted to share…
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Hello,
I just wanted to share a blog I just posted. I knew, if no one else understood, you all would.
My almost-5yo daughter and I had a very good talk tonight. Several months ago, she wanted to begin reading because her big brother was. After nearly 6 months of reading instruction (and we’re still not finished with our “100 Easy Lessons” ha!), I decided to quit.
I know I probably should’ve waited until she was older before allowing her to begin, but she expressed such an interest and did so well for about the first 60 lessons. Then it just went downhill. Anyway, I wanted to share this post because I could really use some affirmation and encouragement, if nothing else.
http://todayindietzville.blogspot.com/2010/04/real-life-homeschooling.html
Hoping I made the right decision,
Lindsey
You 100% made the right decision in my humble opinion. There is nothing to be gained by pushing for reading at such a young age, some kids are not ready until much, much later, and there is really no need to feel she needs to read at barely 5 years old. When she is ready it will come, believe me – you have nothing to worry about – that was also a good blog spot – you don’t need affirmation, you have the affirmation, you wrote it in that blog piece. So ralax, enjoy your children and slow down – it is ok. In a lot of European countries they do not start teaching kids to read until 6 or 7, and yet they have excellent results in academics, all through high school. I am not a great believer in starting kids too early, sometimes their brains are just not ready – then they get frustrated and it is a disaster – waiting until they are ready usually means they learn quicker and with less stress. You have a very pretty blog by the way. Linda
Awesome! You’re a great mom, doing a great job. Enjoy your time with your daughter. I loved your post. I’ve been doing the same with one of mine that is a bit older than yours. It is a great freedom to say “Now, is not the time.” Enjoy the freedom to choose another day.
Huggles
Meadowlark
At first I totally felt like I failed, like I was for whatever reason unable to teach my child how to read. I have realized that those thoughts aren’t true, that I am capable, that she is capable, and more importantly, our relationship takes precedence over my ability to teach her or her ability to grasp the concept.I don’t want a daughter who can read on a fourth grade level at the age of six but who can’t stand to be around me because of what it took to get her to that place. I want a daughter who sees that I put her feelings above my own, who knows that it’s much more important to me to love her and be there for her than it is for me to teach her to read.
Thanks for sharing about your post…..the above section really stood out to me. Wise words.
Blessings to you and your family, Lindsey.
-Kim
(And FWIW, I too think you absolutely made the right decision…….)
I have a son who didn’t really read until he was 10. We started when he was 6 or so with “100 Easy Lessons”. It was literally a battle for years. Finally when he was 10, knowing he could do it, I went to the library and picked out a bunch of books with only one or two lines of very large print – and that was the ticket. I think I told him that when he finished those we could go to the library to get more books, and he finished them all in a day! He just needed to have it made easy. So I learned that it’s important to keep the reading material below their reading level at some times so they can build confidence. I knew he could do it, but he just would not believe it. And, oh the grief I could have saved us both if I’d just let him play and read to him for a couple more years! I’d probably have an easier time with him yet today (he’s 14 now) and a lot more joy along the way. So, I too am not a believer in starting too early or pushing them along.
This is what I needed to read myself… We have a 7 year old who has struggled since day one in public school in reading. Although he has gotten somewhat better since homeschooling the past 6 months, I totally agree with the confidence boost, and we are working on that right now. Its rough when you worry if you are doing what’s right or what’s good enough, or if your child is behind or ahead. I love homeschool because it isnt about that anymore for us, its just about teaching the whole child, and learning on their level and their time. Im grateful to be doing this, wish I had sooner. Your link was wonderful thank you for sharing!!
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