Late Bloomer

Making sure my kids are good readers has always been a priority to me. I was an avid reader growing up and want to pass my love of books onto my kids. Plus it seems like a no brainer to me that you have to be a good reader to be successful in anything. So from the time Jonah was born I read to him faithfully every single day. If he couldn't sit still I would read to him while he played and he would eventually come around (this tip's for you Liz). After he turned a year old I would read to him every single night at bedtime. So when he was in the first grade and turned 7 and still couldn't read I became extremely concerned. He loved books and he loved for me to read to him but he just didn't seem to "get it." I became really afraid he had some sort of reading/learning disorder, especially since I have a brother who was diagnosed with dyslexia.

I then requested a meeting with the reading specialist at Jonah's school. She told me that learning to read is a milestone that usually occurrs when a child is between 4-8 years old and that some kids just get it later. She assured me that the kids who learn to read later can end up on the same level as the kids who learn to read earlier. Just as kids who learn to walk later will eventually begin running with their peers. I was pretty surprised by this. I always thought that the more I read to him the earlier he would begin to read. She suggested that I keep reading to Jonah and that he would eventually get it. Well she was right. The next year in second grade Jonah got it and began reading at his grade level.

This past year Jonah really began to love reading and just devour books. He even read the entire Harry Potter series. At his school they have a reading counts program where they earn points for the books that they read by passing a comprehension test for each book. The kids earn charms for every 50 points that they earn. Jonah ended up finishing in first place for the fourth grade and in third place for the entire school! I am so proud of him!!!! I am also absolutely amazed when I think back to first grade and how much trouble he had "getting it." As a parent this whole experience was such a huge lesson about not freaking out when a milestone is delayed and supporting and encouraging my child. Good job Jonah!

Jonah with his 400 point charm.