Summer reading

At the beginning of summer vacation, I took the kiddos to the library and signed them up for the summer reading program there. It isn't a very structured program, but honestly that's probably best for their ages right now. We just keep track of all the books we read, then they keep track of the amount with stickers on a page each time we go to the library. They also get to choose a special reward from the prize trunk at each trip. 

We set a goal to read 100 books over the summer, but I know that will be easy to reach - we're already almost there. More than that, I'd like to be able to get through all the books they own - but they have a TON, so we'll see if we make it by the end of next month. It's been fun reading our way through them, though, since they each have a handful of favorites that they choose often and others have been forgotten for awhile. 

Our reading routine is that Sophie and Ben each get to pick a few books before bed (it usually depends on time - sometimes I tell them they can each pick one, sometimes they get three) and then we cuddle and read them all together. Of course, we often read during the day, too, but we make sure we always get that before-bed time. It's a nice way to slow down and relax before going to sleep, and it guarantees that we put in some book time each day. Now that we're keeping track of the books we read, they are even more inspired to read as much as we can. 

And on the topic of reading - Sophie is getting SO close to being able to read by herself. She has a core group of 20 or so words and names that she's been able to read and write for a long while now, mainly because she likes to write little "I love you" notes to everyone. And she's known her letter sounds for what seems like forever, too. But she's now finally getting to the point where she can see a word she doesn't know and sound it out on her own. She's picking up packages at the store and reading the labels, looking at magazines and trying to read the headlines, and will sit and read a few pages at a time from the beginning level books we have. It is amazing to watch and listen while she's figuring it all out. I can't wait until it finally clicks for her - we're a big reading family, and I have a feeling that she's really going to love it. She's gets very excited and proud of herself after she figures out a new word, so she wants to keep going. We're so proud of her!