Last year I began teaching full time again as my first born was beginning primary school. It was great to see him enjoy school so much, but it made me a little sad that it wasn't me teaching him how to read. So when the opportunity arose for me to teach the new entrants I jumped at the chance and have been fortunate enough to teach my second son.
He was the four year old who would stop playing his game when his older brother began reading, edging his way to the arm of the chair to peer at the pictures, hanging on every laboured word read aloud by his big brother. I could see a flourishing love of stories and I wanted to be the person to teach him how to read for himself.
Most people nodded enthusiastically when I said I would be teaching my son. Not his kindy teacher, though. She gave me a raised eyebrow and said "Are you sure about that? He has a bit of trouble following instructions."
The transition to school was smoother than some, having his mum as the teacher. There were no tears at drop off time because he was still with mum. He hasn't been the star pupil one might have imagined, rolling around on the mat, playing when he should be listening, and bellowing frustrated "Muuuuummmm"s during writing when I am helping other students.
However, there is something quite special about cuddling up to your son on the couch in the late afternoon with a small reader you're hearing for the second time that day, listening to the chirping, sweet tone of your little one becoming a reader. Reflecting on his reading journey so far I do acknowledge it hasn't been just me who has taught him to read. Each day I give him a book, carefully crafted for interest, personal experience and a level just right for him, written by one of New Zealand's many marvelous authors. He gets tips from his group peers, older reading buddy and beloved Nanza. Most of all, he himself has the keen desire to know how to read that little story.
I asked him one night, "Do you miss preschool? Would you like to go back?" To which he replied,
"I like preschool, but I like learning to read."
What a lovely blog Kara. It must be very special to have the opportunity to teach your child to do something that you are so passionate about teaching other tamariki to do. Your son is a super lovely new entrant and I enjoy his presence at our school. Kia kaha mumma teacher ;)
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