I've heard other parents say how amazing it is when your child begins learning to read. I just didn't realize how fast it happens, how a child can begin kindergarten with no other skills than writing her name and just a few months later is reading all kinds of words! Bereket now begs to read a story at bedtime and
she is the one who reads the book to Jason and me (and Cooper and Frosty who lately are always by her side at bedtime).
I haven't been exposed to early childhood learning since I was in kindergarten 35 years ago so the whole process has been amazing to watch. The five sight words that Bereket's teacher requests she learn each week, the special books Mrs. Clauson sends home that supplement her sight words with photos of the words she hasn't learned yet. Brilliant!
Last week, Mrs. Clauson invited all the parents to class for a little concert featuring the fun songs they sing in class everyday. We shared a snack with Bereket and she surprised us with a special Christmas gift, coasters with her photo on them. Mrs. Clauson explained that the gift for parents was a thank-you for all the time we spend at home working on sight words and reading books.
I have to admit, I felt a little emotional as Mrs. Clauson thanked the parents. There are many days when reading time can be a struggle. After a long day of learning and trying to be on her best behavior, sometimes I think Bereket's overflowing brain just wants a break and a really big snack.
But the rewards are worth the struggle! Bereket was so very proud to move up to a "1 Green" reader level after starting as a "Yellow" reader. After the winter break, she should be reading "2 Green" level books. For her, this will be a big deal. And then there are those moments when Bereket recognizes a word that I had no idea she knew. Last night, she looked up at the television and read the word "married" off the screen. Wow! My parent friends were right, this is pretty incredible stuff to experience.
