Today's lesson was probably our biggest success, solely due to my change in attitude. I read an interesting anecdote on the Internet last night. A mother was becoming more and more frustrated because her bright seven-year-old son was unable to tell her various letter sounds. She pushed and drilled as hard as she knew how, but nothing worked. Finally, she decided to take a break from reading lessons for awhile. When her son asked (with dread) about their next phonics lesson, she told him that they would switch places. Instead of her listening to him read, it was his turn to listen to HER read. He eagerly ran to his room and came back with an armful of favorite books, and she read every one.
Reading that made me remember why we embarked on this crazy experiment in the first place: I wanted to foster her love of learning, not destroy it. So, we did work on blending, then we cuddled on the couch and read some new favorite books. One really good one and one not so good (an illustrated history of the pig. I know, who knew??)
What's funny (and maybe a little sad, too) about all this is that we've only been having formal lessons for 1.5 weeks. 1.5 weeks, people!!! Is there an emoticon for embarrasment??? I really didn't think I was still such a perfectionist. At least, not regarding my dd. As my dad would say, "Lighten up!", which I always hated but am now considering having tattooed on my forehead backwards.
Anyway, I used this great insight as fodder. Last night I planned to have a great day with my dd, and so far we have.
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