Friday, April 13, 2007

Reading is fun!

Isaac started the first grade this past September. One that came with much anticipation. As the first month came and went, it became apparent to us that Isaac needed a boost in learning how to read. This took much patience on all of our parts. So off to work we went. And we worked hard. Using flash cards, playing games, spelling out simple words so that he could figure it out with the letters on the fridge. Isaac also joined a community after school reading program, in which he had a mentor named John. This man was so good for Isaac and because of him (and other efforts too) Isaac started to improve.

By the first report card and parent teacher conference, we were greeted by a beaming Mrs. Selfors (Isaac's teacher). She shared with us that Isaac was one of the most improved kids in the class in 6 weeks when it came to reading. She asked him if she could share his work in the class that she attended to show his improvement! Of course, Isaac was thrilled and said yes.

By the time the second report card came, and another conference with Mrs. Selfors, we learned that Isaac has now reached grade level in his reading and is continuing to soar! In all this time, Isaac has continued to attend the after school reading program. One day he met the leader of the program with these words. "I know how to read the f word now! I am so excited!" Knowing that Tim is a pastor, she quickly found out what Isaac meant. Phew! Each book has a level marked by a letter. Isaac is now on level "f". :-)

This past week, Isaac graduated from the reading program, as he is at grade level reading! I (Mom) was greeted with a phone message from the principal congratulating Isaac and awarding him with a certificate (He got a huge book too). When asked by the principal if he wanted to say anything, these were his words. "I just wanted to say that I love reading, I think it is very fun. I think that everyone should read because it is cool. I want to keep reading, it is so much fun."

Happy Reading!