Learning at His Own Pace

Fourth kid. The last kid. I’m still trying to figure out how they survive childhood. The kid who never went to day care. The one who I’ve most allowed to just be a kid with constant play and very little “teaching” other than what he has picked up on his own. Because I’ve fought other kids in reading and letters... not doing it. And he’s just now five... I’ve fought the voices in my head telling me how we aren’t doing enough... about the elite preschool that has the letters memorized at three... going into kindergarten already reading...and just let him be. No matter what other preschool kids are doing. And always doubting myself... And the last serval weeks he’s asking about letters, sounding out what letter things start with, and copying letters with me. Because it’s fun, and he’s ready on his own. Here’s his first time to copy his name during his self proclaimed drawing competition with me yesterday. Studies show kids are all reading at about the same level by third grade no matter whether they start at three or eight. So I’m just sitting back for the ride his little mind is taking me on! And he didn’t want to write the date on his paper... only the time... on his watch... that he understands and can read... without a book telling him how. Crazy ;) As I tell the hubs, by the time I get to the eighth kid (not happening), I might actually have this Mom thing figured out! ;)