Walking by the Way

Let Them Read

I’ve read blog posts, message board posts, and had real-life conversations with homeschooling moms about making sure kids are reading at their level.   All these moms have great intentions — they want to challenge their children and keep them on track.  

It makes sense in theory.  We wouldn’t want our kids to read something that’s too easy, would we?  Wouldn’t that be back peddling?

Well, let me ask you:
Would you like to only be allowed or encouraged to read things that were at your reading level (or higher)?   Would you like every text you try throughout the day to be challenging?    How much would you enjoy reading if you lived with stipulations?

Here’s my simple advice:

Just let them read.  

Just let them read good books and old favorites and new favorites.   Let them read silly and classic and don’t forget to read together.
 

The go-up-a-level thing will happen naturally; just let them read.

Books!

Aunt Lisa sent three very cool bargain bin books to the boys today– a constellations book, a presidents book, and a bird book that chirps and sings.  

Here they are with their new treasures.

Five True Dog Stories Lapbook

We used a binder for this one.  This is a lapbook we did awhile back when Elijah chose this title for a book club (co-op) selection.

DOX

GRIP

WOLF

BARRY

BALTO

This free lapbook is found at Homeschool Share.

Smart Shoppin’!

Ooooooooooh!   I love library book sales.  I know I shouldn’t throw the word love around, but I REALLY love book sales!   

I felt like I got a great haul tonight and my total was a whopping $34.  Okay, so $34 seems like a lot, but look at what I got!     Lots of books and even a stack of audio books!

Disclaimer:  I have no clue if some of these books are suitable for my dc to read, but I will preview and preread. 

Tot School

I actually snapped a few pictures of Simon in motion last week.  

Making Banana Bread ~

When I left the room to grab the eggs, I came back to find SImon adding a little extra vanilla.  He thinks he’s a chef.   Well, when Elijah took a taste of the batter and yelped, "SALT!"  I guess the little chef thought the banana bread needed extra salt, too.   We had to throw it out, but I was impressed at Simon’s ability to fill the pan! 

Reading Books ~

At our house,  the very most important part of Tot School is reading books.   Simon sat for 40 minutes on Friday morning to listen to train books!  He was very upset when we ran out.   "More too-too-woah-woah-book!"  was his plea. 

As a general rule of thumb, we (as in me, my husband, and my older son) try to read Simon at least ten books each day.  I read his favorites, but try to sneak in 1-2 new books, too.   New books usually get added to the favorite list!