Breakthrough

Every where we go, it's so cool to see Jack ask "what's that word?" He wants to know the word so he can spell it out loud. We were in line at Costco and there was a sign that said "Open".. he asked for the word and spelled it correctly. He was so proud of himself and asked to spell more words. So, I pointed out "Costco" and whatever word is on their business card... and he tried to spell and got most right. What a breakthrough... again, NOT anything we did. It's pretty cool how the brain is wired. A child cannot be ready to learn until the appropriate neuron synapses are formed and laid. Does this mean we give up in trying to teach them? I don't think so... I think you still have to expose them to the information and continue to stimulate their brain; outcome will not be seen until they're ready.

As for Marin, she can read almost fluently 3 letter words and a lot of "sight words". We both are some what disillusioned with her school. Actually, we shouldn't blame it on the whole school.. but she just has lousy teachers. She was not introduced to the Primary Phonics books or workbook until this year. Her cousins of the same age, who are at other Montessori programs as well, have been introduced to these since last year. They were talking about it and we had no clue what they were talking about. She started reading on her own towards the end of last school year doing the "moveable alphabets". I do see she loves, loves Spanish... most likely all due to her teacher whom she adores, Senora Ingrid. I hope she continues to learn in depth this very useful language. Her Mama is trying to learn it with her, too, to speak to her patients :)