Blake and Dane are 20 months apart. On purpose. I am sure a lot of people thought we were crazy and possibly still do, but our thinking was to have a built-in peer role model and friend for Blake (and what turns out to be for Dane, too). As Dane got older we saw the truth in this by watching them interact and Blake imitating important developmental milestones, mostly in speech and language. As difficult as it was having them close together in the beginning, each month of their lives together has proven to be well worth it.
Something surprising has happened this year in Kindergarten that has led to even more validation in our decision to have the boys close together. Very early in his life Blake showed great interest in letters, which quickly led to phonics and now reading. Yes, reading. His abilities to learn sight words has impressed us beyond belief. Dane has always shown a desire to learn, do and help with what Blake is learning. This year it has been for reading, which Dane is now doing, too. Thankfully Blake has an amazing teacher that provides nightly at-home reading activities that both boys are eager to do each night (plus additional homework 2-3 nights per week...Kindergarten is demanding!). So, the surprising validation is opposite of what we ever expected. Blake is helping Dane to learn and reach milestones, and as a parent it has been a wonderful experience to watch. There is nothing better than watching your children read for the first time.
Crazy thing is, when Blake was born I said "I just want him to be able to communicate and read." I remember saying that shortly after he was born and when we knew his diagnosis of Down syndrome. Well, he is able to do both and continues to make great progress in both areas. Looks like we need a new goal...
3 comments:
Wow! Beth! That is amazing! It is wonderful how siblings help and motivate each other. I think that is wonderful that Blake is reading so well. My 8 yr old has had the hardest time with reading, and it is just now fully clicking for him. Reading is not easy to master and for Blake to reach that milestone is so amazing. You are doing a great job!
That is a very encouraging post Beth. I am so glad that your goal has been met and that you need a new one! It must be amazing to watch them teach one another... what a blessing to experience that!
What a great post, Beth! Magical, I bet, to witness them reading! Wow. Let me know what the new goals are...Can't wait to see what Blake will take on next! Give him a big hug for me.
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