Learn to read with Dick and Jane

Many of you might already know this, but my aunt recommended the Dick and Jane books to us to help AJ start learning how to read. They had worked great for my cousin Mary who is just about a year older. We've been checking them out from the library each week - but I'm about to invest in purchasing a set! He's 5 years old and  just about to go into kindergarten.

He's a typical boy and doesn't like to sit still - he get's frustrated very easily when learning (he thinks he should already know everything... just like his dad). But, these have already proved to be a great tool.

I read these books slowly with him while pointing to each and every word. Each story usually highlights a few particular words. We started out slow with words like "GO" and "UP" also "I" and "a". As I'm reading and I come to a word that he "should" know or I'm going to try to teach him, I point but don't say it. Now, we've also added words like "LOOK" and "SEE" and "AWAY"... He's so excited, we're keeping count of the words he can spell and/or read (because that's not always the same exact thing), which is making him want to learn more each and every day.

Last night he read sentences: "Away we go." "It can go up, up, up."

It about made his father cry! And that's worth it right there...

The other trick I've found that works for him, may seem strange, but we do it in bed at night before he's about to go asleep. If he's not too tired. It's the only time he's really excited to sit down and read (because he gets to stay up longer) and I think because he has showered, he's rested and more relaxed than any other time of the day - which in turn, helps him to concentrate. Usually we'll "read" one book together and then I'll read one to him... Mix it up to still keep stories before bedtime fun!

I'd love to hear if it works for you or any other tricks you may have!