Teach Them to Love Reading

When I started homeschooling I had all the same fears as other homeschooling moms...

Am I going to ruin them for life?
Am I doing enough?
What if this isn't the right curriculum?
What if I'm missing something?
Will they do okay in life?
Will they be smart enough?

God has assuaged my fears.

This is my fourth year homeschooling unless you count the year I did soft-school with Emma (3 days a week, simple).

I am not a fluffy homeschool mom. I actually enjoy the basics (unlike some of my friends, whom I won't name...Tiff ;)). So for a time, I struggled with not being the "fun" mom. I'm okay with it now, because I know God made me this way. And I love my friends that are creative and "fun" without jealousy or guilt.

In kindergarten, I teach reading, writing and math. I spend about 45 minutes a day. My philosophy has been, if I can't remember history, science, social studies, or geography from my first couple years of school (or more), then my kids will be okay if I put it off a few years and save myself the stress of adding more to my day. (Disclaimer - This is not a post about not doing the other stuff and I'm not saying you shouldn't do the other stuff. I just chose not to that early.)

By Christmas of their kindergarten year, all three of my school-aged children have been able to read. Because they learn to read so fast, it has fueled their excitement for reading.

Each of them in their first grade year read The Lion the Witch and the Wardrobe and Prince Caspian. Emma has actually read through all of the Chronicle books at least twice.Every afternoon, they are required to read for an hour - whatever they pick to read. Emma reads the most because it's just what she loves to do with her spare time. But they all love the fact that they can pick up the Zoobooks magazine and learn about the animals.

What is my point? And get to it, right?!I've been reading Island of the Blue Dolphins to them. In it they talk about pelts. I had no idea what it the world a pelt was. Emma told me it was the otter's skin. I mostly believed her. As I read chapter 10 today, it confirmed it. I said, "Emma, how did you know that?" She said, "Just from reading."

They learn so much just from reading. They know and use words I haven't taught them. They know science facts I haven't taught them.

My point - give your kids a love for reading!