I’m not sure exactly when the lines became blurred as to when we should start formally teaching kids to read. I belong to the school of thought that reading and writing skills develop, in due time, after a foundation of rich experiences leaves the child open and ready to do so. Some experts say that we should start showing 4 month old babies flash cards so that they can be reading before they are potty trained. Others think its wise to enroll 3 and 4 year olds in specifically designed reading programs so they will be able to tackle reading before 1^st grade. Yet some hold true to the thought that children should be in first grade, equipped with all the cognitive skills before they are “ready” to read.

It wasn’t until Jason was born that I didn’t fast forward through the Your Baby Can Read and BrillKids Little Reader commercials.  I have to say the success stories were intriguing but I couldn’t shell out the money or make payments on the flash card/video systems. I think the cost of these programs play on parent’s anxieties, and they are willing to shell out the money. I can relate to where the anxieties come from, applications to college far outweigh the acceptances, and kids are vying for admission, not forgetting global competition. Students are getting rejected at increasing rates and parents are grasping at ways to give their children a head start…starting with babies.

I too have bought Baby Einstien videos, not because I thought it would make him a child genius, but because he sat still for a few minutes while he watched it.  Once they become mobile, its either full speed ahead or asleep, and those few moments of peace learning shapes and colors to classical music was well worth it. Through playful interaction I can incorporate age appropriate activities that enhance reading, writing, math, music, social skills and self awareness. My plan of attack to achieving educational excellence is having a happy well rounded boy, through lots of playing outside, jumping in puddles, chasing shadows, figuring out what his favorite toys are, and perhaps most importantly figuring out and allowing him to develop his personality.

Here are some of Jason’s favorite books…and their respective links to AbeBooks, my favorite place to buy used books.

• Baby Dolphins it is a bath book that Jason took to once he started sitting well on his own and we moved him into the big tub and he was introduced to it…still one of his favorites.
• Jason could read Brown Bear Brown Bear over and over.  Recently he has discovered From Head to Toe , like all of Eric Carle books, it is brilliantly colored, but it has a parade of animals challenging children to imitate simple actions. Jason beams with accomplishment as he does each activity asked of him.
• Goodnight Moon is a children’s classic that depicts the process of a child saying goodnight to everything around. This is Jason’s current favorite.

I can’t recall ever being told no when I ask Jason if he wants to read a book.  He usually goes to his room picks one out and promptly backs up into my lap, eager to get started. Usually, when I can’t hear Jason playing he is up to no good, every once and a while I check on him and he is in his room reading (pictured above). Im hoping to continue to foster a love of reading and not damage his desire to do so by forcing him to sit during story time or a “study session”. I’m sure there is more that could be done but I think were on the right track.