Tuesday, October 9, 2007

Growing and Learning


We know that growth is gradual, but there are times when change seems to happen right in front of our eyes. This was the case with Lydia on Monday. She had lost another tooth over the weekend, she learned to ride her bike without training wheels, she fell in love with reading, and she started grasping math concepts in a new way.
Doyle had helped her on Saturday with her bike and she had made a lot of progress. I didn't realize how much until she asked me to help her. I said "sure" and proceeded out the front door with house shoes on. She took off and I was trying to catch her. Doyle had told her to pedal real fast. What he did not teach her was how to stop. Teaching her to slow down and stop was my job. I must have been a sight, scooting down the road with my slippers flopping. I caught up with her and stopped her until I could get my tennis shoes on. I could tell this was going to be aerobic exercise for me. It was neat to see her so excited about learning how to do something she has been wanting to do for awhile. She started whistling and beeping her horn.

Lydia also found reading a joy. She has never complained about doing her homework, but she has discovered just how rewarding reading can be. She was reading to me and she asked, "How do you think the story will end"? I said that she will just have to read and find out. She got this big smile on her face and said the words that this mom and former first grade teacher wanted to hear, "I love reading!" While we were later working on math drills, the things I had been trying to say seemed to "click." I went to bed declaring that it had been a good day.

Lydia reading to Joseph

6 comments:

Esther Hilling said...

Alayna said: "Lydia, the bike rider!" when she saw the picture. It's getting too cold here to ride bikes. Alayna enjoys reading too.

Mary Ellen said...

Someone needs to teach one of the other kids to snap pictures or video YOU during some of these moments. "-) Congrats to Lydia on learning to ride her bike - that is always an accomplishment to be proud of in the world of children - GO LYDIA!!!

Ronda said...

I think that it is great that your kids love to read...I remember reading by the hour when I was young(I still enjoy it!)I think that it is so good for kids to learn to actually enjoy reading!..You have adorable kids and I know that you are a great Mommy!

Liz said...

Don't ya just love it when you can look at their face and tell that they got it? I know mine is only three but she is starting to get a grasp on lots of things that I try to teach her. Enjoyed the post and the pictures.

kayla said...

Okay I'm going to get a camera with a telescopic lens so I can shoot the pictures of you.
I'm also amazed at how learning seems to happen overnight sometimes. I experienced the same thing with Ethan last week. You work on the same concepts for weeks and them all of a sudden they just get it.

Making Memories 1999 said...

What wonderful joys come with being a Mommy!! Seeing the joy of learning is definately one of those joys!! Thanks for sharing the exciting news!!