He brings this book to me every day...many, many times. Yesterday he woke up half an hour earlier than usual. He lugged the book up and plopped it next to me while I was crocheting. "Wead dis, Mama. Wead it now." I cringed and really didn't want to read it to him because sometimes I just want a few more minutes for me. And, sometimes, in the morning I don't feel like figuring out how to pronounce words I've never laid eyes on before....like Greater Malay Chevrotain...I mean, really, they lost me at greater.
So, yesterday, in an effort to keep crocheting, I said, "Bear, why don't you read it to mama?" To my relief he consented, opened the book, and started talking. "Dis is a rhinoceros beetle." (Which he says perfectly despite his general mispronunciation of r's.) "De hyenas need to be nice to dat antelope." (re: a picture of hyenas eating an antelope) "Dese are marsupials." On and on. Stopping at a few to ask me about them. What he knew surprised me, and I was reminded how quickly and easily these little ones learn...without forcing or cajoling...just with interest, curiosity, and a whole lot of answered questions.
So, yesterday, in an effort to keep crocheting, I said, "Bear, why don't you read it to mama?" To my relief he consented, opened the book, and started talking. "Dis is a rhinoceros beetle." (Which he says perfectly despite his general mispronunciation of r's.) "De hyenas need to be nice to dat antelope." (re: a picture of hyenas eating an antelope) "Dese are marsupials." On and on. Stopping at a few to ask me about them. What he knew surprised me, and I was reminded how quickly and easily these little ones learn...without forcing or cajoling...just with interest, curiosity, and a whole lot of answered questions.
So very true! I was just talking about this to my mom, who is a teacher. We are curious as to when learning stops being "fun". And you'll have to tell me where you found that great big book because I KNOW my little V would just LOVE it.
ReplyDeleteIt was one of Stephan's, but you can get them on Amazon. There should be a link in the post. :) ~Madeline
ReplyDeleteIt's so true and such a great reminder that they are always observing and listening to us.
ReplyDeleteGREAT BIG SMILE! Are you sure this homeschooling thing will work, honey? Kidding!!!!!!!!
ReplyDeleteI love that they hyenas need to be nice to the antelope. That is adorable. :)
ReplyDeletetoo cute!
ReplyDeleteJaim has to read to his tired mummy sometimes too!
What a smart little fellow. I'm on the hunt for a dinosaur book right now for the dude!
ReplyDeleteI have a kid who used to be just like Levi in the book and curiosity and animal obsession department. Actually he still is. At the age of seven he has my friends calling him to come over and answer all the curly animal questions their kids are asking...
ReplyDeleteHow cute is he! Eli was hooked on a 'Skelington' book and even took it to bed with him each night. It was a sweet stage although a little creepy when a 4 year old boy says "I can see where your bones are"
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