Some kids dig the alphabet early on, some kids don't. I don't find an early alphabet aptitude to be any indication of smarts, really, just indication of preference. Personality. Taste.
Lucy has long been a lover of letters. She could identify each one at random by the time she was 16 months. She plays with them in the bath every night, personifies them in her artwork, assumes and assigns them as identities ("Dad, you're an 'S.' Mom, you're a 'U.' I'm a 'P.'" -- We then correspondingly communicate with "SSS's" and "UUUU's" and "PPPP's.")
In light of this particular letter passion, a few months ago we picked up a copy of the classic Leap Frog film ...
Lucy had a several month love affair with Tad and Mr. Quigley. She learned all the letter sounds and, before we knew it, was independently writing and sounding out short words (mom, dad, dog, cow, etc.). We thought we'd better take her to the next level.
And I love it! I know that it's quite widely used to teach reading, but I have to publicly sing it's praises. I love the structure of short, daily lessons. I love the transitional orthography. I love the inclusion of reading comprehension.
We crack the book after breakfast every morning. Lucy's been going strong for 28 days now (including an occasional "review" day if we find she's struggling with a concept).
"Reading lesson!" is now an ingrained and beloved part of our daily routine.
And as I've almost forgotten the thrill of watching Lucy's first steps and hearing her first babbled words, I thought it needful to document this learning-to-read business. 'Cause someday she'll be a regular old fluent reader. And that's what I want. But I hate to forget the delightful moments of discovery and the fabulous morning hair that mark the journey. 
9 comments:
Thanks for the links to that book and video. I am SO impressed with Lucy. What a little smarty pants :) And congrats to you and Wes for taking the time to help her learn that.
Wow! Your daughter reads better than a few of my kindergartners did at the end of the school year! I am extremely impressed. No doubt that her love of letters has been fostered by parents who also love to learn.
Lucy is a genius! William too loves the letter factory video! I'm going to have to get that book... I think he'll do well. Thanks!
Unbelievable. I'm more impressed all the time. I'm struggling to count to 10 in Chinese which apparently I'm going to need to do...ugh!
Love it, love the movie, and will have to get the book. Also want Madelyn to be reading, reading, reading.
I SO want to get my hands on that book!
Good Job Lucy! She is such a smart girl, the videos were great.
What a little brain Lucy is! So impressive and SO cute!
I loved what you said about some kids being inclined towards alphabet and phonetic learning and others not -- Henry's not particularly interested, and while it kind of drives the compulsive mom in me a little bit crazy, I agree that it's not necessarily an indicator of intelligence. I figure that eventually he'll care enough to learn letters and sounds, so I'm not making an issue of it now -- though I do try to sneak in some time with the alphabet puzzle a few days a week (I think he's on to me, though, he's starting to resist!)
Love the reading lessons! It is come as you are down here! Lucy will be a great reader! The videos are so precious!
Can't wait to see you all!
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