Read, Write, Discuss

My 7 year old has been a slow started on reading. His one year in public school focused more on phonemes, syllables and testing than they did actually reading. So, I took the TJed approach and made it simple. I read to him. Then, I had him read to me basic Dick and Jane books. This past week I started having him keep a journal. I did this just to have him simply write words he knew, then I had him write words he read about in his book or in a book I read to him. He quickly progressed and by the end of the week, he was writing his own sentences. I am not worrying about spelling or punctuation right now. He spells what he knows and what he does not know he tries his best. It has been wonderful. Last, we talk about what we have read to make sure comprehension is taking place. It is fun to talk about books you are reading. The boys often come up with new endings or what if type questions. It gets their minds moving!