Literacy Beginnings Chapter 1

In chapter 1, I love the emphasis on learning through play. My own daughter went into kindergarten reading at a level 16 (end of first grade level) and it wasn't because I sat down and drilled her with flashcards or made her sound out words. After being a reading recovery teacher, those words "sound it out" actually make me cringe! I love books and I have read to Carli since she was a baby. She caught my love of reading and began imitating reading at a very young age. We had fun with language and letters and she just finished first grade reading at a fifth grade level and I am so proud of her. I hope that love of learning will continue the rest of her life and I try to do the same thing with my young fives students. In the book, they emphasize how activities need to be developmentally appropriate for our children. I think this is essential! Especially as things keep getting pushed down in our curriculum. What a great first chapter!