Reading, Reading,Reading

Dear N is reading so well now - it's unbelievable that he started out Kindergarten in August not being able to read anything beyond his name. It's awesome - he is reading everything in sight.

Last night, he was laughing hysterically because the book I had chosen to read to him was in fact read by him and not me! It was a great feeling. Lance and I both LOVE to read and definitely want our kids to have this same love of books!

Every night N has to read books at his level - our aim is for him to read 20 minutes. Some nights it is more, some less. Whichever one of us is tucking him in that night will also read to him. Usually Lance will pick a series, lately it's been The Chronicles of Narnia - this is something they love doing together. I usually either let N pick the book or we'll read something from the Bible or about animals.

He is gaining so much confidence in his reading ability and I love it - we are planning some reading activities and games for this summer to keep up with the skills. N, I'm so proud of you!

Kindergarten is awesome!

"Mom, we are learning about amphibians." "Frogs are amphibians." "Amphibians live on water and land." WOW, I don't remember learning about amphibians in kindergarten. I remember learning the "letters" - my kids have known their letters since they were 18 months old.

It's crazy what all they are teaching and what all is being soaked in by N. He is a very curious fella. He's still asking all the "why" questions - he has a thirst for knowledge and I'm so glad he is learning so many different things. I just hope he doesn't ask Mrs. Marshall as many "why" questions as he does at home!!! Can you imagine 19 students asking "why" all day long?!? Kindergarten teachers are super special - I could definitely never be one!

Another thing they work on at school are social values. For example, last week was "Taking no for an answer" - what a great concept - they've had this one a couple of times this year. Now, if we could just take no for an answer at home! This weeks lesson is "accepting criticism". Again, wow! I think these social values could be valuable among adults as well!

Two days in a row now, N has made his own lunch. He did great even spreading out the PB &J - the only thing I did was veto one of his choices. I'm sorry, but I'm just not allowing Pop-Tarts to go in the lunchbox!