Learning to read with Paula Dean’s ‘my first cookbook’

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All of my kids have gone on their own journey to learn to read. For some of them, it was the traditional method. Learn phonics, blending, read Bob books, and they took off reading on their own. A few lessons with me reading Dr. Suess’s books and they were ready for chapter books.

While others needed to memorize the words as the sounds were not helping them connect with reading. They could not hear the sounds and it was more frustrating than helpful. So, we took a different approach. We continued to practice phonics in very small doses. Enough to help keep them relevant when their brain was ready, but not so it frustrated them to tears. We also brought in spelling and handwriting. It helps them to see, write, and say the words.

Most homeschool moms will tell you that handwriting can be another source of tears and frustration. I took to google to see if a joke book handwriting curriculum had been created. Sure enough there was and we found success with this one.

After Naomi’s normal homework routine she wanted to make cupcakes. I told her if she could find a recipe she could read, then she had my permission to make them. She scoured our cookbooks and then she remembered I had found Paula Dean’s ‘My First Cookbook’. She immediately went and found it on our shelf. She looked through the cookbook and found the Vanilla Cupcake recipe.

I did take the time to read through the recipe with her. She was able to read through most of it on her own without my help. When we were finished reading the recipe she looked at me and said, ‘I can read’! As she read through the recipe I was able to remind her about “when two vowels go walking the first one does the talking”, as well as looking for two words that make up a bigger word called compound words. She was putting the art of reading into real context.

I have been patiently and anxiously awaiting this moment. The moment Naomi would find the element that would be worth her time to break out of her reading comfort zone. The element that would allow her to risk being embarrassed and uncomfortable to accomplish a bigger goal.

I foresee quite a few cupcakes, cookies, bread, and other delectables in our future. I also see chapter books in our future as she learns to read in her favorite spot in our house. The kitchen. She is also honing in on her math and directional skills, as well as refining motor skills, and understanding the importance of processes. She has learned why it is important to cream the sugar with butter before adding the dry ingredients. In this process, she is learning cause and affects.

I am excited to encourage and support Naomi’s journey. We may need to make a run to Sam’s Club to purchase bulk baking and cooking supplies. I am completely ok with this. Yay to homeschooling and yay to following her passions to create successful learning moments.