A magic reading moment

Last night while engaged in the nightly routine of reading with our eldest son Oscar, he had a “light bulb” moment. It was one of those fantastically magical moments where all the past persistence, patience and love pays off in one glorious instant. The light went on for Oscar!

For the last couple of years our nightly ritual is to struggle through the school reader and then for me (or his dad) to read something enjoyable of Oscar’s choosing. (I know it’s bribery, but hey, we do what we have to to keep him interested.) Last night, without a reader in the school bag we picked a favourite off the bookshelf which we hadn’t read in years - The Cat in the Hat, by Dr Seuss. Oscar was relieved that it didn’t require him to read. He could sit back, relax and enjoy the story.

As I prepared to read, Oscar said, “I reckon I could read this.” Before I knew it he had the book in his hands and started reading. “I really CAN read this,” he exclaimed with a hint of disbelief and a whole heap of enthusiasm. He continued to read, stumbling over a few words which I quickly helped him with so as not to quash his enjoyment and excitement. He was totally absorbed in the words, pages, pictures and story. There was nothing that could have stopped him from continuing to read page after page.

I have never seen Oscar read something he thoroughly enjoyed before. It was fabulous to watch. He was reading a “real” book and not a reader. It was the first sign of him developing a love of reading, and that’s because he was experiencing two main things - success and enjoyment. Never had he experienced these two things at the same time.

He was very proud of himself and so was I. Let’s crank up that dimmer switch to 10 and leave it there permanently I say!