The Truth about Teaching our Children to Read {and 5 Simple Steps for Nurturing a Love of Books…}
A couple of days ago, I shared a special moment on The Unplugged Family Facebook page. My nine-year-old daughter had just finished reading through The Boxcar Children for the first time and was starting into the second book in the series. It was mid-morning and our home was peacefully quiet with children all engaged in their own activities. Audrey unfolded her legs and rose from the couch with a satisfied sigh. “Oh, Mama… I just couldn’t LIVE without reading,” her voice was whimsical and sing-song. I smiled and she continued, “Reading is just delicious.” Oh, my heart. Those four words will stay emblazoned in my soul forever. Reading Is…
When you feel like you’ve flunked. {About learning to read…}
Three weeks ago, out of nowhere, our outgoing six-year-old daughter clings to me and refuses to go to Sunday School. I’m baffled. She loves her teachers, the lessons, her friends, the songs, the crafts. We sit quietly together during the service and draw pictures to each other. I wonder what could be wrong. Later that night, she sits close on her pink bed spread and tells me the ‘why’. “I can’t write words, Mama,” she wells up instantly. “All the other kids can write words except me. I want to know how to read too…” Her lip quivers and I sit silent, heart broken. Oh, baby girl. My sweet, sensitive, soul-girl. Artistic, expressive,…