Congrats to Emma

Emma along with Mommy and Daddy have been working hard on reading since February or so of this year. We have been using the Direct Instruction curriculum Teach your Child to Read in 100 Easy Lessons. Emma has done a super job and been a good student for Mom and Dad over the past few months. When Kindergarten began she had completed lesson 50. Her accuracy was excellent and her fluency was coming along. She could sound out almost any 3-4 letter word if it was spelled phonetically. She was reading short stories as a part of the instruction and answering the comprehension questions.

After attending open house night with Emma's teacher we learned that she would be tested on sounds, letter names and 36 sight words (or puzzle words as they called them in Montessori). Sight words are words that are used often and about half of them are not spelled phonetically (from, of, was). After 25 sight words and the sounds are mastered, the kiddos move into reading "Sam" books. Sam books are similar to BOB books, starting out very simple (and boring) and getting more complex as they go. We have a set of Sam books and BOB books at home from USU and Emma has been reading both of them so we knew she had more than enough of the skills needed to do so.

At the time of the assessment Emma did not know many of the letter names since we have never taught those (because you don't need to know them to read). She must have been a little shy as well because the assessment came back saying she only knew about half the sounds and 7 sight words. So, after a quick email to Emma's teacher, a little practice on the sight words and another assessment...Emma knew every single sound and 31 out of 36 sight words. We could not been more proud of her hard work. She started Sam books this week and is moving along. She brought home #4 this weekend. YAY. As a part of my volunteering I get to read with the kids. Emma thought it was pretty special when I got to read with her in the hallway. (I did too).

I know that this is a small accomplishment when you look at the big picture of life, but it is a very important one. We are seeing Emma learn to read before our eyes which has just been awesome, but it is even more important that she is now on the same page at school and home. Mrs. Lang has seen her demonstrate her skills and she is on the reading path. We plan to continue our instruction here at home to support what she is doing at school.

September 7, 2010

Emma is now on Sam book 11 and enjoys reading to Caitlyn at night. She also passed off her first word family book (blending) and read 74 out of 76 words. She has memorized her phone number and address and has been playing teacher with Caitlyn. Yippee!

Here is a message from Nana and Papa that they sent in an E-card.

Emma,
Congratulations on being able to read!! How proud we are of you! I just can't wait till Nana can have a book read to her before I go to bed! What fun that will be!
I am thinking about you and Caitlyn. I want to hear stories about your school and about what Miss Caitlyn does while you are away. I know she misses you, but soon she will be in school. We love you! Keep up the good work! Nana and Papa

After reading her card from Nana and Papa she said "that made my heart feel happy." So sweet.

Daddy and Em planting her plants. She worked for this. 25+ sight words = planting with Dad. When she gets the last 4 she earns a trip to the treasure box at school. Way to go Emma, keep up your hard work.

PS- E also mastered her phone number this week, next is her address.