This evening, while we were at a book store, Hubby and I let the girls each pick out a new book. Chica seems just on the brink of learning to read, but for as long as I've known her, she's been a bookworm. From a young age, the girl just loved books. Even at the tender age of 2, she'd fall asleep "reading" books in her crib. Recently, she has been able to sound out words, although prefers to make us read the words because it takes too long to work through them herself. We are in no rush, but still want to encourage her, so our deal with her tonight was that if she wanted a book, she needed to pick out a Beginning-to-Read book.
After careful consideration (and many suggestions from me, Hubby and even Bug), Chica settled on a Doc McStuffins beginning reader book (right now in our house, we are ALL about Doc McStuffins). We told her we were excited to read with her, but that she would need to help us sound out some of the words.
She agreed.
So tonight I was tucking Chica into bed. We did our usual bedtime prayers and then opened up the new book. The book was cute, and had some cue pictures (such as Doc, her brother Donny, and a few of the toys) throughout the sentences. These were parts she was able to read along with since she knew the pictures. We got to a few short words: "up," "mom," "did," and even "wash." Although she resisted once or twice, she worked through them like a champ, her eyes wide and bright when she realized the word she was sounding out:
"Uuuuuuh. Pppppp. Uhhh. Pppp. Uhh. Pp. U.P....Up! It says 'up,' Momma!"
When we finished the book and sang a song, I turned out the light. On my way out, I told Chica how proud I was of the words she sounded out.
"Soon, you'll be reading us books!" I told her. "You just keep on practicing!"
We said goodnight, and I came downstairs.
When I arrived downstairs, I could some hushed mutterings coming over her monitor. This happens often, so I thought nothing of it. A few minutes later, I heard Chica calling for me, so I returned up to her room. This is the conversation that ensued:
"Hey Chica. What's up?"
"MOM. I just sounded out every. word. in. the. book. Every word! I read it!"
Her excitement was palpable, and it was clear she was so very proud of herself. In the moments since I'd left her room, I have no idea what, if any, words she challenged herself to sound out. But I know that there was a new passion and and joy in her voice that made my heart leap.
"Lovie, I am so, so proud of you. I can't wait to hear you read it to me tomorrow."
I love that girl.
