I noticed this weekend that Sam had developed a small core of known words that he could read (Sam, up, go, a and I). So, after talking about things that go up, together we chose some pictures and I created a book for him. I wanted to use those known words in the book and keep and story structure reflective of his language structure. When I asked him “What goes up?” Sam replied “A balloon goes up.” and thus a book was born. I put the book together and gave it to him today. I have to tell you, there isn’t anything like seeing “the look” on a reader’s face when they notice something in the print that they know. I love that look! And I was thrilled that Sam flashed me that excited look when he opened his new book and looked at the page. I broke out the camera during Sam’s second reading of the book, in which he was reading it to his Daddy, so I missed the first part. However, I’m so glad I caught the amazing processing that he demonstrated on this second reading. Just watch as he rereads to search and how he monitors his reading and self-corrects the mismatch.
Oh, and do I really need to remind you that emergent literacy is my passion/profession/specialty? I thought not.
Oh, and please ignore the mess…and the half-naked reader. Y’all know Sam by now!
