Reading Excitement

For the last couple of years, I have been working with my daughter on her reading. Every time we have sat down together and tried to work our way through words, or through whole simple books, she shuts down. She has simply hated even trying to read. So, I decided to back off.

In the mean time, I was still reading to her and pointing out words and getting her to write and do other language arts things. I kept reminding myself that she will be reading one day. I read other people blogs and homeschool message boards that told me, "Your child will learn to read when they are ready." I read my book again "Better Late than Early" which is what backs up my whole philosophy of schooling. But still, I wanted her to read and enjoy it, NOW!

So, where does the excitement come in? Well, this morning, we made our weekly trip to the library. While we were there, I made my obligatory stop in the easy reader section, to once again attempt to find a book my daughter could connect with. I picked out a few and off we went.

Later in the day, I sat down with my daughter to do spelling with her. After finishing, I just thought we could "try" again with one of the books acquired from the library. So, I pulled out "Jonah", a Easy Reader Bible book. Handing it off to my daughter, I was expecting the normal pursed lips, "Can we please not do this?" look from my daughter. Instead, she began reading! And with each page, I praised her! And, with each page, I grew more and more excited inside. But, I remained calm.

After she finished, she was BEAMING! She did it! She knew she did it!

She asked if I had anything else she could read. I remembered that my mother-in-law had purchased an Easy Reader Bible for my daughter a few months ago. We ran to find the book. Excitedly, my daughter began to read story after story. She told me she couldn't stop because it was so much fun! Tonight, after I tucked her in, I could hear her reading that Bible book.

I believe God answered 2 of my prayers today. 1) That my daughter WOULD learn to read.
2) That she would have a love for God's Word.

I have seen both answers manifest themselves today. I believe that starting with a Bible story has planted a love for God's Word in my daughter's heart. I believe that learning to read has planted a love for reading in her mind. Thank you God for hearing and answering!