Tuesday, September 02, 2008

Ethan's first day of preschool

The day has finally arrived. It's been much anticipated around here, let me tell you. There is no doubt that Ethan is dying to learn - he has practically taught himself to read, and so I'm finally stepping up and teaching the poor kid. Oh my goodness - he is so excited!

This morning he practically bounced out of bed, eager to begin the first day of the rest of his life. I remember feeling the same way about school, but I'm just so surprised that my boy is like that too.






Even though this is preschool (slow down, kid, don't you know you have the rest of your childhood to go to school!), my main goal is to teach him to read. I'm using The Ordinary Parents Guide to Teaching Reading by Jessie Wise and Sara Buffington. We did the first three lessons today - he would not let me stop!






We did some workbook pages too, cutting and pasting, and drawing lines. Oh, what fun!






Okay, who taught him to write his name?????


16 comments:

HopiQ said...

Happy first day of school!!!

Anonymous said...

I loved the pictures. He looks more mature than even this summer. Mom

jenica said...

Well, great for you, too, that he's such an eager learner! That expression says it all.

I'm just about to post our "first day of school", too.

We love those "Kumon" workbooks! I ordered 8 of them this year.

Have fun on your worthwhile journey!

bandanachick said...

E looks so grown up!
Good for him, wanting to learn so much, and for you too.
What did Si do while you taught E?

Rachel said...

It was all during Si's nap. :)

Michelle said...

Ooooh, is that a Kumon workbook? I love those. Tabitha did that one (the cutting one).

I have to post Tabitha's first day of school as well. She's going to a school outside of home this year. Already in Kindergarten!

Kelly said...

You captured how excited he is to be in school! Thanks for sharing! He looks so grown up!

MagenRanae said...

Hehe...your post makes me think that you didn't know until today that your son could write his name?! :)

Shawna said...

Yay for Ethan!

I absolutely love teaching preschool. So much fun!

Rachel said...

Yep, it's a Kumon workbook, on Jenica's recommendation. :)

Oh, and Magen, to be honest, I don't think I knew he could write his name. Is that sad, or what???? He obviously taught himself. I'm telling you, that kid is driven!

Reagan said...

it's so funny to read that because i've always thought that you've been working with him and stuff this whole time. He seems pretty far along, even if you have been tutoring him some!

Rachel said...

I'm sure I have written his name out for him before, but believe me, there has been no organized teaching going on. :) There has been no need - he's a genius like his mother, obviously! hahaha!

Rachel said...

kidding! :)

MagenRanae said...

Hehe...that's funny! He'll be reading in no time!

~ Rory ~ said...

I love that he is self motivated! It makes teaching that much easier. Jacob is that way and pretty much taught himself to read. If you want a recommendation on beginner books I would suggest a small set of books put out by Scholastic called Bob Books. They come in sets of 10 or 12. They work on a different sound in each book and build up every four books. They also have pictures illustrating what the words say. They really are great! BTW...I like Ethan's shirt, Joel has the same one!

Jean said...

Hey! How fascinating that Ethan is so excited to learn how to read! Generally, boys don't latch on to reading until they are at least 7 or so...If you have any questions at all, PLEASE feel free to ask... teaching reading is what I do for a solid 2-3 hours of each working day! Someone mentioned using Bob books from Scholastic, and I would whole-heartedly agree...There are some other important factors with learning to read...let me know if you are interested! :-) Enjoy his enthusiasm!