Sound Practice

Thursday of this week, Kenz decided she wanted to read me all of Set 1 of the BOB books. I was elated, but contained my excitement, treating the event as if it were not a big deal.

For months I had been gently nudging Kenz to read me some of the BOB books.

I don't want to do that Nana, she would say, then follow her statement with some excuse like I want to color, or I'm too tired.

After awhile I forgot about them.

I don't know for sure what brought the winds of change, but without any discussion she got the blue box of the 12 small books off the bookcase and cuddled up next to me on the couch. Then she read them all, out loud, non-stop.

For me, time stopped. (Maybe thirty minutes went by.) She was determined to read them all. This part didn't surprise me, because when she puts her mind to something, she gets it done. (She may have got this trait from Nana.) And not only did she put her mind to it, her mouth worked overtime, sounding out each word, blowing them out like stubborn candles on a cake. Once she recognized a word, she simply READ it. Kenz had started the process of learning to read months ago, then there was a holding pattern where she didn't want attempt more than a few words at a time. (At least not with me.) But now---Look Out. She's well on her way. I am going to order the next two sets of BOB books for her. I think they are a great confidence builder.

I first learned of the BOB books from Montessori. These little books are delightful, as are the illustrations. From Meet the Maslens:

As the mother of four children, Bobby Lynn, was involved in cooperative preschools for nine years where she discovered her love of teaching young children. She became a teacher at an independent pre- through high school. Her work with young children involved constant invention in art, math games, physical growth activities, and reading materials. It was there that she created the Bob Books when she didn’t find books that she felt were interesting enough for the young children she taught.

Her interest in innovation and sensitivity to children are trademarks of the Bob Books. "I loved being a parent and a teacher, and now a grandmother", says Bobby.

The Web site for the BOB books is http://www.bobbooks.com/bobbooks.html