The Mitten (Read By Mika)
December 8th, 2010 by ninja
In the first three months of first grade, Mika has jumped up several reading levels. She is now able to read short stories pretty fluently, and can read all of Tobin’s favorite books to him. Exciting news for all of us – on so many levels. I thought it might be a good idea to record her, so that we can take those clips with us on the iphone. It might come in handy at the doctor’s office, or other places we have to wait for a long time. This is just a screen test … next time i’ll put the camera on a tripod and use better lighting.
Posted in Daily Musings, Videos
jeeun responded on December 9th, 2010 at 7:06 am
I enjoyed the story very much Mika!! The sneeze was especially good I thought. I’ve sent you a storybook in the post, you’ll be able to read it all by yourself, AMAZING….!! So I can look forward to this in about 2 years time, from Arthur, can’t even imagine it.
ninja, so that means she can read this blog right??!!**
ninja responded on December 9th, 2010 at 9:02 am
I suppose she could, although there’s a high ratio of “tricky words” to stumble upon. She hasn’t gotten into the habit of reading it though, because her screen time is limited and she much more enjoys sites for kids, including the virtual library from her school, with interactive books that are exactly at her reading level.
I have to say that watching the kids learn how to read and write is as miraculous as watching them learn how to talk. In the U.S., this process starts full force in Kindergarten (at age 5), with introductory exercises (learning the ABC’s, writing name) already being taught in Pre-K. This is one year earlier than it used to be in German schools, when i was a child. Also, Mika is one of the youngest kids in her grade due to her year-end birthday, so it feels even earlier to me.
ninja responded on December 9th, 2010 at 1:33 pm
You can probably see the illustrations better when you watch it full screen … there’s an expand button in the movie toolbar. The book is a modern classic (1996), which i recently discovered at Tobin’s friend Henry’s house. In the side bars left and right, you always get a preview on the next animal that will crawl into the mitten. Tobin loves calling out those clues…
sooki responded on December 10th, 2010 at 3:23 pm
Mika pronounces the two “t”s British style doesn’t she? :)
jeeun responded on December 10th, 2010 at 4:29 pm
Mika and Tobin would be one of the oldest children in class here in England, the cut-off is August 31. Arthur is one of the youngest (july 18). They start school at age 4 here, and slowly introduce reading; it makes you appreciate what a difficult skill it is for these little ones!
ninja responded on December 10th, 2010 at 10:16 pm
That is essentially the cut-off age for private schools here in the US as well (September 1st). Unfortunately, the public schools (in NY State?) go strictly by calendar year.
There will always be youngest and oldest kids a year apart, no matter what cut-off date. Still, to me it makes a whole lot more sense to be 6+ years old to start 1st grade, when the academic curriculum kicks in.
Ryniee responded on December 11th, 2010 at 9:52 pm
That is some advanced reading, Mika! It’s cool to hear how clear her pronunciation is. I’m still hearing Roman’s baby filtering of words when he “reads”. So fun to look into the future. Congrats to the big girl!
Ryniee responded on December 11th, 2010 at 9:53 pm
Oh btw- Roman’s Christmas play is going to be The Mitten.
ninja responded on December 11th, 2010 at 10:02 pm
Oh, that will sure make an AWESOME stage play! Tobin and Mika would love it :)
Which animal is Roman going to be? Or does he play Nicky? If you capture it on video, we’ll have to watch it next time we come over…
Ryniee responded on December 11th, 2010 at 10:12 pm
It’s all very hush hush with the teachers so I ‘m not sure who he’s playing. Definitely getting it on video. Maybe we can watch it over some k food? I’m due to make some kalbi soon…