School, it was the bain of my existence as a child. Having children made me have to come face to face with my scholastic under achievement.
From the day the girls were born I have been vigilant about reading to them. I so hoped they would grow to love reading, to be able to imagine the words. My mother was an avid reader as is my sister. Me, not so much, to say the least. I am a lover of the television. From the time Megan was born we read to her . As she got older she would bring a stack of books that she would want to read before bed. She now reads several books a week and is more than happy to curl up on the sofa with a good book.
Today, Megan got the invitation for the Talented and Gifted program at school. I was inclined to not allow it because the feedback I have received is that it is a ton of extra homework and in-depth projects. But, she really wants to try it. I emailed her teacher and received a wonderful response. It seems they just test her again and she is reading on an 8th grade level. They are very concerned that she will grow bored in the classroom and are already working to develop a plan to keep that from happening. What am I to do, the parent who hated and struggled in school needs to let the child who excels and loves it to make this decision. If things get to be too much I can always pull her out I guess. I am so proud of her! Not just that she is one of ony a few invited to the program but because of her well thought out, mature pitch to her father and I to allow her to do it. My baby is growing up!
Madison and Megan are as different as night and day. I did the same with Madi as a baby but would have to almost force her to sit and listen. I did not want reading to be a chore so I would not push too much. We have tried many different things to try to make it fun.I know you are not supposed to compare children but it is hard. Megan was reading fluently before Kindergarten. Right now the best I can get from Madison is the practice of a few sight words to humor me but then she is off to some pretend world that requires her undivided attention.
That is until recently. She started Kindergarten this year. She is loving everything about the experience! Just this week she brought me a first reader that until now has been used for a million other things except a book and asked if we could read together. Each night we have sat with a pre-level one reader and she reads to me then I read it her. After, we have agreed that I will read one chapter of a bigger book. This week was Freckle Juice by Judy Blume. I am so proud of her! She did a great job! She is actually reading very well!
I guess they are right, you can not compare your kids, they are different people with different personalities, thoughts, interests and in time carve their own path.
Decisions for my Family 