Simon’s reading has officially exploded. Just before bedtime on Saturday night, he announced plainly:
“I am a reading machine!”
Screamed it even. And he was right. Simon is recognizing ever more words, is doing better at sounding out new words, and is just excited as can be about the whole thing. So excited that he feels compelled to call out every street name and road sign, the name of every catalog in the house, the names of businesses we pass, and the text on product packaging. Our entire life is being narrated for us.
“Bike Lane . . . No parking at any time . . . No stopping at any time . . . No turn on red . . . Cherokee . . . Deer Park . . . Mark’s . . . Taco Bell . . . Hefty trash bags . . . Title Nine . . . Land’s End . . . Designing Power Supplies for Tube Amplifiers . . .”
And on it goes. TV news tickers, book titles, and handwritten notes are all game. Having at last unlocked the code to reading, he feels compelled to do so at every turn. Last night, he started playing with his globe and realized that he could now name almost every country—even those he has yet to memorize by shape. He was fairly shrieking with joy.
Like birth, first steps, and first words, it’s one of those things that happens to almost everyone on the planet, yet still feels amazing and new when it happens to your kid. The cutest thing he’s said yet?
“Today at school, I read a book to myself. It was like I could hear the words in my brain, but none of my friends could hear me.”
I can’t wait to see where we go next. And seeing this magic unfold, I’m extremely grateful to the kindergarten teaching staff at Brandeis for making it happen, especially his teacher Mr. Sowder, and his W.I.N. (What I Need) teachers Ms. Rhoda, Ms. Darlene, and Ms. Schecter.
Mom and Dad also get a huge thumbs up. You and Matt are absolutely wonderful parents. I wish I had had your patience.
I am so glad for you, and especially for Simon.
You know, the thing I like best about myself is that I am a reader. Here’s hoping reading grows in his heart.