Have We Fully Understood The Power of Written Words?

I am ashamed to say I have taken for granted the fact that I am able to read and write. It took my 6 yr old son yesterday to show me that. It made think about the power of the written word. The written word has changed the world and turned it upside down.

I have been focusing attention to teaching one of my sons reading. He wanted to learn after watching his older brothers reading on their own and couldn't wait. I have gone back and forth on different curriculum for reading and comprehension, phonics etc. but I must say there is one book I have come back to over and over "Teach Your Child To Read In 100 Easy Lessons."

Available at Amazon for $12.48

I am not an English major and so I don't know the exact reason this program works, but we are on lesson 85 and my son is reading everything around him (like cereal boxes, the computer screen savers, billboards, receipts I mean anything with words) and loving it. He feels so empowered now and so much more confident that it amazes me. I had forgotten that feeling with my other sons learning to read . I thought teaching reading would be the hardest part of home schooling, and boy am I glad I was wrong.

Yesterday, I remembered the joy of learning to read when my son asked if he could use the restroom while we were out buying some plants for our garden.  He asked me "May I ask someone if they have a bathroom?" After a few minutes he came running back all excited and said "Mom guess what?" I said "What honey?" and he went on to say "I didn't have to ask where the bathroom was, I saw a sign that said Rest Room and went right in!" I can't express the excitement he had on his face to tell me that. It left such an impression on my heart and made me remember all over again why I love teaching my children at home. 

We give our children a reward that lasts a lifetime when our children learn to read: A Bible. We gave our son one a few weeks ago and he is eagerly listening to our devotionals and trying to follow along when dad reads.

It makes me think of 

Psalm 138:2 "I will worship toward thy holy temple, and praise thy name for thy lovingkindness and for thy truth: for thou hast magnified thy word above all thy name."

and also:

John 1:1"In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, 

and the Word was God."

I had forgotten the power of the written word and being able to read, and the Lord used my son to remind me about how important it really is to us and Him.

If you are looking for some cheap or free phonics lessons I would suggest here :tlsbooks phonics and also don't forget Everything Homeschooling. Enter for their free year's worth of lessons and lesson plans preK-high school you have until the end of March and each month offers another chance to win. I bought the years worth for $15.95 at Everything Homeschooling and haven't regretted it. They offered the tlsbooks site in their curriculum so enjoy the freebie and consider helping them out if you find stuff useful (they only ask a $1.00).

Remember the power you have in knowing how to read and consider giving that gift to someone you love.