Reading Treats

We want to instill in our children a love for reading. But if you have ever been around a 2 or 4 year old, you know that their attention spans are about a long as a sneeze. So we work with what we've got... to keep it enjoyable for everyone. Our kids are little. We spend only 10 or 15 minutes a day sitting down to have some structured reading time. But during that time, magic happens! They are learning to read.

Our kids love it for two reasons:
1. Time with mom and dad
2. Reading Treats! Yes, we are not above candy rewards for a job well done.
What can an M&M hurt?

Today's selection for Mary Hannah is a book she was destined to love. "Fancy Fancy," as she calls it, is all about a little girl who has exquisite taste, and desires to live a life that is encrusted with ruffles and jewels.

Of course, Mary Hannah is not reading the words. But she is developing some important awarenesses. She likes to point out words she recognizes, just like her brother does. Even though she is usually wrong, it shows that she knows the letters stand for something. She loves to make up the story and "read" it with enthusiasm.

Avery, on the other hand, is off an running! You may remember a post right after Christmas that highlighted the Bob Books that he received for Christmas. Avery has been practicing his skills for almost a month. He has already finished the first 4 books, and is quite proud of his accomplishment!
During this time he has learned how to sound out simple words and use picture clues to make sense of the story.
The images below are from his first book. (They are taken from the Bob Books website)
As you can see, it is a simple book. I highly recommend this series! It has worked well in my house.

The End.