reader?

if you ask madelyn, she will say that she does not know how to read. but she will often read things she has never seen before. i think her definition of "reading" is knowing all words without hesitation. it has been difficult to explain that reading a sentence you have never seen before is still "reading" - even if it does not meet her standards.

i would say that she is "reading" pretty well for her age (although she is no lorelai (or kinley), kellie). she is starting to show excitement for what reading will mean for her - like finding out things she isn't supposed to know or not having to always wait on mom to come tell her what the instructions are to her coloring sheets.

one night when matt was at a work dinner and i was doing bedtime on my own, madelyn offered to read to the boys while i put manning down. and she did actually read to them! i think that they all enjoyed it emensely. when i thanked madelyn once i was done with manning she told the boys to leave their books where they were and she would read to them again tomorrow. it was just so sweet. and then she told me that she just "really loved helping me."

loving reading as much as i do, i can't wait to share books with the kids! love.