The kids were up later than usual, one of their particular perks of spring break and the fun of Gramma and Papa’s house. We piled atop one another, fleece jammies slipping on nylon sleeping bags – it might be spring break, but we’re still in the U.P. where temps are hovering in the 30s and 40s. “Read this one,” Calder asked as he tossed a book toward me cackling at the way it bopped me in the head.
“Alright, it’s Sissy’s turn to pick a book,” I said pulling him onto my lap. We read about the cat who wanted a snack. We laughed both the story told by the words and the details offered by the pictures. We finished the book, and Seneca eagerly clambered over her brother, Easter book in hand. We started reading, enjoying the story and snuggle time, while Calder continued to flip through his book.
A few seconds later, I realized that he wasn’t just flipping through the book, but saying something too. “Just a second, Sis. I think Calder’s reading us a book right now,” I said, leaning toward him. He tried playing it cool, but the excitement of attention was written all over the wide eyes and grin on his face. “Good job, Buddy,” I offered. “Try pointing to the words as you say them.”
“Ok,” he said as he started again. He continued reading, through the rest of the book. Since then, he’s proudly read to Daddy, Gramma, Poppa, and Aunt Gretchen. He’s identified the question mark and how it makes the sound of words go up. He has favorite parts that make him laugh, and parts he reads deliberately to be sure he gets them right. Let me say it again,”…parts he reads!”
No beach. No summertime temps. No sand or sun.
I’ll take the tucked in gift of witnessing a world of books waiting to be read, anytime!
This Slice of Life Story is part of a weekly activity offered by Two Writing Teachers.
So exciting! I can still remember the first books my kids read on their own (My Truck is Stuck and Put Me in the Zoo). That is a great heartwarming story!
That is so exciting for you and for him. A moment to savor forever.
Excitningevent,well told…the pride and joy came beaming through your words.
An amazing gift—you along with his family had helped him pack in what was needed to read—and then one day, the gift was opened and the words started to flow! An amazing experience. Thanks for sharing
That is so cool!!!! That was a really meaningful moment!