A New Reader in the House

Marlee is reading. Sure, she's been "reading" for over a year (sounding out words), but now she's READING (reading books without sounding out words aloud). Still, it's a challenge for her and flat out exhausts her. We usually have her practice her reading just before bedtime, because it's generally quiet and because it wears her out in time for bed.

Tonight, she was practicing a book recommended by her teacher. It was challenging, full of consonant blends and complicated words. By the time she got to the last page, she was over it. She couldn't read it, wouldn't even try. Around the same time, she (TMI) said she had to go to the bathroom. I suggested she take the book with her and try to work out the last page in peace. I explained that she would have to finish the book before doing anything else.

A minute later, I hear, "...frustrated....don't....can't read...mad...tired...you ask..." I asked Michael if she was talking to herself, and he said Eloise was in there. Next thing, Eloise comes out with the book in hand, turned to the last page, and says, "What does this say?" Michael read it to her, and she went running for the bathroom. Then we heard Marlee say, "Good job. Did you find out what it says?"