Even as a child, I think I was a pretty good reader. I remember loving to read since just about forever. I can fondly recall sitting curled up with a book and preferring that to many other activities. My parents must have instilled something in me early on to foster this, although my mom would probably say it was not from her (she can't stand to read!!). Any way, although these days my reading time is VERY limited, I still love to do it when I can. Most of my reading these days is spent with more "educational" reading, rather than leisurely reading. I'm a mom. I feel like I've got lots to read about and learn on parenting, homeschooling, etc. etc.
Any way, we have always tried to foster a love for reading with our own kids since they were very small by incorporating it throughout the day and especially at bedtime. So, after my daughter turned 5 I started to wonder how I could help her learn to read and love reading. Even before the new year I would say that she wasn't overly thrilled with phonics, although she was pretty good at sounding letters and words out. I decided to take my time with her and not "push" reading so that she would turn against it. We tried the book, "Teaching your child to read in 100 easy lessons". At first, she liked it, but then easily turned against it. So, I did some research and looking online and found a series of books called the "BOB books" that are written by Bobby Lynn Maslen. I decided to take the plunge and purchase all 5 sets (each set contains 10 little books) I am so glad I did! My daughter LOVES them!! Why? It doesn't leave any room for her to "fail" or become frustrated. With the first book, she could easily read it and proudly say that she had read a book! That's pretty exciting for a 5 yr. old! We take the time a few times a week to sit down and read the next book in the set. They are short, but yet cover all the basics and keep encouraging her along in her reading journey. I would highly encourage them to parents who have taught their kids phonics,letter recognition and sounds and are ready to start on the path of reading.
Hopefully, one day she'll remember these books as the ones that gave her a love of reading.
