What We're Reading.

I know I talk about Dawson's reading lessons a LOT lately, but I can't help it!! I'm so proud of him. He is doing SO well!! I try to do his reading lesson with him after dinner but sometimes we just do it when we can squeeze it in. I love that he's excited to do them and it doesn't seem like "work" at all. He's always been excited to learn, I hope that continues.

Ashlynn has been OBSESSED with the book Go, Dog. Go! lately. I usually read it to her at least once throughout the day and she's been picking it every night as her bedtime story, too. She has a lot of the pages memorized and it will "read" it by herself after I've read it to her. I've noticed lately that our bedtime routine has gotten much longer and it's because we're reading more so I can't complain. I have been starting our routine a little sooner than usual lately just because it does take so long. We start it by cleaning up. Both kids have to clean their own room. I usually do most of Ashlynn's but she's helping more and more lately so that's good. Then we read Ashlynn's bedtime story. I do this early in our routine because I know she'll want to read the story by herself after I've read it. So after I've read Ashlynn her story (which Dawson listens to also) I let Ashlynn read while Dawson goes potty and I help him brush his teeth and get into his pjs. Then I change Ashlynn's diaper, get her into her pjs, and then brush her teeth. Then we all head to Ashlynn's room and take turns saying our bedtime prayers. We give hugs and kisses and then I tuck Ashlynn into bed and lately she's been taking a board book to bed with her to read as she falls asleep. After that it's time for Dawson's bedtime story. We started reading the first book in The Boxcar Children series a few nights ago. We talk about what we've read so far and then I read a chapter to him each night. We're on chapter 5 right now. I wasn't sure how he'd like chapter books or how they'd hold his attention but he seems to be doing really well with it! After I'm done reading we talk about the chapter we've just read and then I tuck him in for the night. I love our whole bedtime routine, it's a nice way to unwind our day. The only thing that would make it better is if Dave was able to join us. He works nights, though, so besides his two days off it's just me and the kids at night.

I went on a little book shopping spree last night because we have a TON of children's books but besides The Boxcar Children books we don't have any kid's chapter books. I'm excited to read more with the kids. I ordered Charlotte's Web, Mrs. Piggle-Wiggle, and Charlie and the Chocolate Factory. I had to get a couple for Ashlynn, too, so I also bought A Day with Wilbur Robinson and Dear Tabby. I can't wait for them to get here. I figure as long as we're reading the books together and talking about what we've read Dawson should do fine with these books. So far he's enjoying what we're reading but if any of these books seem like too much for him we'll wait until he's ready. In a year or two he'll probably be ready to read these books to me!

Here's a video of Dawson reading a couple of days ago. He gets better and better every day.




I have some video of Ashlynn "reading" too but I uploaded it straight to facebook from my phone. I'll have to get some more and put it on youtube so I can post it in our blog. I love the way she reads. :)