He's... reading?! And adding?! And what the heck do we do now?!

[blizzard_babe]

OK, not really reading, like reading for comprehension, but DS1 (he'll be 3 in May) spontaneously sounded out a three-letter word, "FOX," in a photo DH was looking at on Facebook. All the sudden (according to DH) He just goes... "Ffff... aaaaaaah... kssssss, FOX! Like fox in a box!"

I know, I know, he may not be "gifted," cuz who really knows at this point, but I feel more comfortable sharing here than anywhere else. He can also add (well, he doesn't know the language "number plus number equals number," but if you ask him how many he'd have if you gave him two more of something, he knows it), and he seems to have just figured it out on his own. I mean, yeah, we count stuff, but it's not like we sit around quizzing him on math. And likewise, it's not like we sit around pounding letters and sounds and words into his head. He plays Starfall (a little too much, probably, since DS2 has come along) and has refrigerator magnets. But he also still throws amazing two year-old tantrums and occasionally wets his pants :laugh.

DH immediately shared on Facebook. His rationale, I think, is that we'd brag about him if he were five and had sounded out his first word, why not now? It's an exciting, Facebook-worthy moment for any parent. I feel weird, though, even though I know he's probably right.

Anyway, I just wanted to share with people who I think will understand how exciting it is (which I think most parents would understand), and also understand why I'm a little hesitant to shout it from the rooftops, you know? And, you know, any advice/predictions on what might happen next would be appreciated.

[whatsnextmom]

It's always exciting when your child does something for the first time and it's normal to want to share!

No one can really make predictions for you. My eldest didn't read a word until after turning 5 but was reading 5th grade level novels a few weeks after sounding out her first word. My youngest started picking out words at age 2, was only about 2nd grade level at 4 and not really what I'd consider totally fluent and independant until after his 7th birthday. At 10, he reads well above grade level in two languages. Just goes to show that you really can't say! Your DS could take off and be reading novels at 3. He could continue to hunt and peck words the next couple years before tackling a full book. Remember, if he doesn't progress as quickly as you expect, there are some factors you can't rush like eye development. Most babies are born far-sighted and won't get normal vision until about 6 to 7 years old. This means your tyke might be able to sound out tons of stuff on signs and labels but may not be totally able to focus on a regular book text until older.

My only advice is to continue to read too him. He'll be able to comprehend at a much higher level than he can read for awhile. You don't want to ditch the lovely picture books and chapter books for easy readers. The reading will come in it's own time. Answer his questions as they come. Certainly be excited! I would be cautious in sharing too much outside the family and closest friends though. Not only do some people not take it well but it also puts pressure on your child to progress on other people's timelines. You don't need a business associate to "test" him next time he's visiting the office KWIM?

[blizzard_babe]

Originally Posted by whatsnextmom 

You don't need a business associate to "test" him next time he's visiting the office KWIM?

 ESPECIALLY because I work in the curriculum department of a school district central office.