I'm a reader, yes I am!

Convincing young children they can read sometimes is the biggest hurdle to overcome.  Zoey decided not too long ago to read so she picked up a book.  Look closely...it's the Bible.  Now, I know there are those who are excited she chose the Bible, but really she just wanted to read a grown up book, a big book, a fat book.

She isn't really reading - but she is.  She is behaving as a reader.  She is pointing to words/letters, she is turning the pages.  She is taking it very seriously.  She is starting on the left page and then 'reading' the right page.  All of this has to be under control before kids begin to actually read print.  Sooner than later she will begin to recognize letters and words.

We send the subliminal message that 'real reading' is big books or books with no pictures.  We need to be intentional and tell kids that they are reading when they read the McDonald's logo, if they read his/her name, any type of print.  Encourage them to pretend read big books.  After they have 'read' the book say something like: Tell me about your book? What was it about?  Was it good?

So encourage that reading!