Amazing

I suppose it had to happen. But could it really happen so soon? Is he that big already? It was just yesterday that he was curled up in my arms, coo-ing and drooling. But today he sat on the couch, opened a library book we got yesterday, and read it to himself. I have noticed the explosion of language over the last few months. Rhyming everything, saying words slowly to hear the letter sounds, and sounding out simple words he sees.

I see that the concept of reading has clicked in his mind. He understands that the symbols we call letters have meaning and purpose, and that when combined with other letters, they create something beautiful. He gets it. And he is the proudest boy you have ever seen.


I have given him very little instruction in reading, and most times if I tried, he already knew it, or was bored after five minutes. I gave up "teaching" and just kept taking him to the library, reading to him, and he just kept being more interested in reading.

I love to see how the curiosity of the mind fuels learning, and if we support our children's interests, and allow them freedom to help guide their education, there will be a greater desire to learn. Owen has always loved books and language; even as a 1 year old he would sit and listen to a book or a told story. Once upon a day, I was pushing him to learn, thinking the "earlier the better", but now I have come to understand just how important it is that these early years be free from formal education, and the mind has an opportunity to grow and explore, be creative and come to know the world around them through living experience. I didn't want to rush him into reading, because I knew that when the mind was ready, he would read.

I expected it might happen over the next year or so, but was amazed to say the least when I heard him this morning, reading along in the softest, sweetest little voice.



And tonight he read Daddy a bedtime story. And he was the proudest Daddy you have ever seen.

k

More thoughts on children teaching themselves to read.