Yesterday, I resurrected the star chart for earning privileges and completing tasks. I’ve got an app on my iPad (naturally) that easily keeps track of the running total and lets you dole out the rewards. I had started using it last winter, but it kind of fell off in use by late summer. But four-year-olds, like elephants, never forget. Occasionally, the kids would do something and ask me to give them a star.
Well, after one of those requests and a realization that video game time was again getting out of hand, we reinstated the star chart. They can earn a star for all variety of things – making their beds, clearing the table, putting away laundry. I even have the generic “help mom” on there as a way to reward otherwise unspecified good deeds. But after 24 hours, my favorite star-earner is “read a book.”
At almost 4.5, both kids can read pretty well. Daniel, honestly, is ridiculous. He can read it all. All of the words. ALL OF THEM. And he has so much committed to memory as “sight words,” his speed is downright alarming. Rebecca is still sounding a lot of things out, but is getting faster and smoother by the day (she’s also more likely to “cheat” and just guess by looking at the picture on the page). Regardless, I want to encourage both of them to keep practicing their reading at home.
So I tossed “read a book” on the star chart. Well, being the first day and starting from zero, both kids were desperate to earn more stars. So when we ran out of laundry to put away and the dog had been fed, I suggested that Daniel read a book to Ellie. Over the course of the afternoon, Daniel read three books to Ellie, and Rebecca read two.
When they each asked to read a second book in order to earn a second star, I hesitated. Were they just gaming the system? Then I realized I DON’T CARE IF THEY ARE. It takes 10 stars to earn 45-60 minutes of video game time. Read your baby sister ten books in exchange for some time on the Wii? GO FOR IT.
This is a win for everyone. The kids earn a reward while practicing reading (nearly any book they want, though I draw the line at the super short ones that they have completely memorized). Ellie gets extra attention from her big brother and sister, and gets read more books than I find myself able to do in a given day (oh, am I a slacker second-time-mom on that front). And I get eager, happy kids and anywhere from five to fifteen minutes of peace, interrupted only by the occasional request for help on a tricky word.
WIN.
Wow, I can’t believe that they are such good readers. Good for all of you. Very impressive, and win for all, indeed!!!
Love this.
Heather V recently posted..2012 Goals- Exhibit B, The one where my friend had a flat tire and still arrived before me
That’s so awesome! I’m telling you, when Elijah learned to read, it rocked my world! He had long since given up naps so now he has quiet reading time for an hour ever day. Yes, an HOUR!
Such a great idea!!! I would love to have the name of that app ….
Merri Ann recently posted..It is 2 am … what are you doing?
Also wondering what the name of the app is! And 10 books for Wii time sounds awesome for everyone.
Wiley recently posted..Slowly killing my children with breastmilk
Love love love this idea and totally stealing.
LauraC recently posted..The smartest thing Nate has ever said
OMG your kids are so stinking cute!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I love the monkey jammies and how happy everyone is. Yeah for reading time
Momma Hunt recently posted..12 Goals for 2012-Status Update
Great idea! What is the name of the app? We are bribing Cameron with dessert to eat her dinner which HAS TO STOP! I saw you reference sight words – I wonder if that is what I’m doing when I read (I can read very, very quickly). Basically I don’t pronounce the words in my head, I just read them, you know? I know what I’ll be researching on Google!
Stacey recently posted..2012 Goals
I offered Cole $0.05 per book to read to me, but when he realized it would take 600 books to earn the $30.00 the item he’s saving for costs he decided it wasn’t worth it.
I have to say that looking at the picturing isn’t actually “cheating”. I know this because when I told my constantly picture-looking, word-guessing kid to LOOK AT THE LETTERS he said, “Actually, mom, Mrs. C. says that looking at the pictures is a good reading strategy.” Kids.
I may have to steal this. Michael can read, but the little bugger is so stubborn he won’t do it for me.
I also wanted to say that I considered including meeting Ellie on my list of great things from 2011. Meeting you and your beautiful family, and getting to hold Ellie was one of the high points in my year. Ellie rocked my world.
Joanna recently posted..The Death of a Gingerbread House
I love how intent Ellie looks on her reading siblings – totally engaged. So nice.
Oh my gosh Liz, I LOVE your idea! Brilliant!!! Love the photos too.
Have a great week!