"Train a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not turn from it." Proverbs 22:6

Thursday, March 24, 2011

Blending, Blending Whoe's

As a new homeschooling mom this school year, my concerns about doing a stand-up-job for my son are great and a constant worry in my mind.  To begin with a kindergartner is the scariest of all.  I have to teach this little rascal to read!  I've tried to remain steadfast in my journey, trying not to become discouraged as one of the biggest struggles we seem to have currently is blending.  He -- hates -- blending.  It's as though it just isn't clicking for him.  I've had concerns that it was me, the teacher, not getting the point across.  But, a home school mom I met the other day assured me that for some kids the blending just takes more time.  She's had one child who thrived on it and did well and another child like my C. who is struggling.

This week, (just initiated "E," the last vowel to learn), as we went up and down our blending ladder with the assigned letters, I went backwards each time, repeating the previous blend, then going forward to add the new blend.  Again, back to the top, repeating, add the new blend.  It seemed so repetitious, but as the same time, I saw a difference in how he was handling it.

After weeks and weeks of frustration by C. (and myself), I saw a glimpse of the light at the end of the tunnel.  Two words on our blending list today, he popped out the word without a moments hesitation.  This fat mama wished she could do cartwheels!  Seriously.  I'm beginning to think maybe, just maybe he IS getting this after all.  I showed so much enthusiasm at this grand accomplishment he looked at me with huge eyes, wondering who this strange screaming woman was in front of him.  All kidding aside he said, "will you tell dad how I did on that today?"  With even more enthusiasm I screamed, "Yes, you bet I will."

What an accomplishment...

Yes, blending.  I hate it, too, but how does anyone learn to read without blending?

God bless,
Pam