Beatrix has been anxious to begin (what is in her mind) “official” school for some time, mainly because she wants to learn to read. I worked through the All About Reading Pre-Reading program with her over the past year, but what she really wanted was to move into “the blue books,” or All About Reading Level 1. She’s known for a long time that this is her year.
I first started used All About Reading with Larkspur two years ago. It was my first time to use a scripted program to teach reading, and I haven’t looked back. Heading into my third year using All About Learning’s programs for both reading, and now spelling, I thought I would give another update. This year Larkspur will continue working through All About Reading level 2 and hopefully move into level 3. Beatrix is finally (her word) getting to use level 1. It is very easy to customize your pace with this program to meet the needs of your child. Beatrix seems to be catching on really quickly, and for that I am very grateful. If you have a struggling reader, you know how difficult it can be to help your child learn, and to do so patiently. This program has really helped me. I don’t doubt myself, or worry that I am missing something as long as I am working through the lessons.
Larkspur is also beginning All About Spelling level 2 now. I waited to begin level 1 of the spelling program until after she had finished level 1 of the reading program. This staggering has worked very well for us, as I find that the spelling lessons reinforce the reading lessons she has already had.
I look forward to teaching reading now, and find that I am able to knit while my girls read to me. The knitting helps me to be patient, and not to correct too quickly. I truly think I have found a rhythm in the teaching reading department, and for that I am very grateful! Hopefully I’ll be back next summer to report more success and Silas’ turn to start the pre-reading program!
(I previously shared my thoughts about the All About Learning programs here and here.)
This post contains affiliate links! So if you decide to try All About Reading and make a purchase through one of my links, I will earn a small percentage, which is so appreciated!
Nahuatl Vargas says
Sounds great, thank you.
I love to see their faces when they are focusing on subjects.
My son loves super structured academic curriculum, it’s funny.
Grace says
I wish I’d just invested in this for James. It would’ve made the whole process easier on me, I think. Maybe for Fiona, although her speech articulation is too poor for her to do a phonics program yet.
alexa says
Congratulations Mama and B! It’s wonderful to be reading. My little guy is moving on from just phonetics and it’s a great journey. Seriously! I love being a part of the whole process – from learning letter sounds to putting them together. And it’s great that you found your groove! I bet that makes you somewhat of a pro reading teacher! 🙂
Leanne New Zealand. says
not to correct too quickly is so hard to do but so important. Sitting and knitting would help. Beatrix I hope you enjoy reading. Reading is a wonderful thing to learn.
Leticia says
Hi, I really enjoy your blog. Your pictures are so pretty and really like what you share from your every day life. I used to homeschool, so reading your blog brings me back memories from those days.
Jen says
I need to check out All About Reading. I have two kids learning to read at the moment and I find it very intimidating! This looks like a great resource. Thanks!
heathermama says
great idea about the knitting and reading. i find i can be a bit quick to correct or help when i am super focused on what they are doing, maybe if i keep myself a bit more occupied i will give them more of a chance to figure it out themselves.
Elizabeth says
That’s really great! I find knitting helps me also with patience! I was in some long car rides and airports recently and knitting really helped tremendously!
Naomi says
Knitting while kids learn to read…brilliant!! My kids go to school but as we live in a foreign country I need to teach them English (particularly reading and spelling). I thought I would start during the summer…yeah, that didn’t get far. So I’m going to try to work it into our school days. Thanks for the recommendation!
Lisa says
I have also discovered knitting while homeschooling…it’s true, it helps me to be patient and not too quick to correct….love your words about homeschooling!
kyndale says
My friends rave about this curriculum! I finally found a used/like new set of the spelling program that I’m trying for the first time this year. Can’t wait!
Wendy says
Yay Beatrix!
I’ve been watching your progress with this program with definite interest–thanks for the update!
Susan says
I was always so worried about my daughter reading. She probably wasn’t far behind where she should be, but there were other kids who were way ahead. Now, years later, she’s about to start a Masters in Public Policy.
Anne Asplin says
Hi Ginny, I am a fairly new reader of your blog. My mother sent me the link and she was referred to it by a friend. She lives in Warsaw, so not too far from you. I am contemplating homeschooling my daughter when she reaches school age. Right now we are a part of a Waldorf-inspired co-op preschool (my daughter is 4 yrs old). I love everything about Waldorf but the idea that learning to read is put off until 6-7 yrs old seems a little daunting. Honestly, I personally don’ care – I have read the research and i don’t see any early signs that she might struggle, but I guess I worry more about others’ judgement. I have 2 questions for you 1) at what age are starting with the “blue books” you are using and 2) how did you come to the final decision to homeschool?
Nicole Spring says
Hi Anne! You are so blessed to have a Waldorf inspired co-op! I know Ginny will have an amazing answer for you but as a Waldorf parent I just wanted to encourage you and say don’t fear the judgment others may have over children learning “later” <3 My oldest would always brush it off when younger mainstream children would ask her why she couldn't read. She would usually redirect the conversation with "Want me to teach you some Spanish or German, or teach you how to knit?" 🙂 Or any of the other amazing things Waldorf schools teach <3
The Waldorf schools actually don't truly begin teaching reading until 2nd or 3rd grade(ages 8-9), but the foundation is set in 1st. My oldest attended our Waldorf school until we were forced to move away last year. She left in the middle of 2nd grade and completely picked up reading all on her own without any help from me and keeps teaching herself every day (thanks to that foundation I mentioned). That's the beauty of Steiner's method!
Keep up the wonderful work!!
Ginny, please tell Bea that C is starting first grade this year, too!!! XOXO
Anne Asplin says
Oh my gosh! Nicole, I have been reading your blog for about a year now (I am brand new to the blogging world) and it is has been my main motivation and encouragement to really change our household over to Waldorf and to incorporate a family rhythm for ourselves. I check it almost every day – I feel a bit star struck right now!
Amy says
I knit through reading lessons with 100 EZ Lessons. It is the only way I stay patient.
Tracey says
Beatrix looks so much older in these photos. It is so exciting when a wee one learns to read and I am so excited for her!
Knitting teaches a lot of patients in so many areas, it helps in Algebra and Chemistry too 😉