Kelly’s Homeschool Miracle

September 8, 2008

I was so excited the other day when Kelly told me about her Homeschool Miracle! I thought I'd share it here too and it may encourage some of you that are struggling with reluctant readers.

 

 

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This week I experienced my first real "homeschool miracle". Not that every day is not a miracle of its own kind, but this one is truly miraculous. I have been alternating between a jump-up-and-down kind of thing, to slapping my forehead with mouth gaping.

My oldest son who is nine, has never shown much of an interest in reading. And since I believe reading is the foundation of learning, it has concerned me a great deal. Nevertheless, I have held fast to my "theory" that if I tread gently, maybe one day it will click.

It's not that he was having trouble learning, but for a nine-year old he was a slow reader and it has always been a chore to get him to read his minimal requirement (a page or two in the Primary Eclectic Reader—pretty easy stuff).

BREAKTHROUGH: He decided he wanted to watch some of Lord of the Rings (for those of you with reservations, I have them too, but for now, my husband allows it), and our rule was that you have to read the books first.

With no prompting, he hunkered down on his bed for several hours each day this past weekend and read, and read and read! J.R.R. Tolkien, people! I can barely read it!

The book's thickness is enough to discourage the most voracious of readers–all three volumes combined into one 3-inch thickness. Add to this equation that determination has not always been his strong point, and we've got ourselves a bonafide miracle!

And it gets better…

I have quizzed him, and he understands what he is reading.

AND, I was telling a friend about it, and my son interrupted…"Well, it's not just 'cause I want to watch the movies anymore…I really like it."

AND, he said, "Mom, I can read my Bible now too, and I'm going to try to get up early to read it."

It's like Mommy Twilight Zone!!!

I hope so much this encourages some of you out there who may have a struggling reader. Keep reading to them, keep reminding them of the importance of it, and be on the lookout for the *key* that unlocks it!

We've had numerous other "breakthroughs" this week and the Lord has gently whispered, "keep pressing toward the mark". Consistency and prayer pays. God is so faithful!

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Be sure to listen to the interview I did with Kelly about her latest e-book, Think Outside the Classroom.

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