Lessons

Xiang still wants to read anything she can get her hands on.  Her appetite for books is voracious.  I had been bringing young reader stories for her, but they made her too tired to finish even the short stories.  Instead, I’ve brought some children’s books that I still had at home such as Dr. Suess and Sesame Street.  I asked her before I brought them in if she would be offended by children’s stories.  Her response was “Oh, no!  I love cartoons!” 

I have learned that I must not assume anything with her.  She is very bright and I tend to give her tasks that are too difficult, such as books that are too advanced.  She will always try to do as I ask, but I can see that it’s sometimes a struggle for her.  I want her to remain challenged yet be able to complete a story to give her a sense of accomplishment. 

She is still shy about writing.  I’m trying to persuade her to write her thoughts or activities in a notebook.  It would give her practice for college courses. 

I had found an English grammar book at home filled with word exercises.  I photocopied the pages and she enjoys completing the lessons.  She also loves the Word Find puzzles.  The puzzle’s where the words are hidden and you must circle them.  It’s not exactly a lesson, but I know that she is learning to recognize the words and she will ask their meaning when she isn’t sure of them.

I feel as though I’m not doing enough to help her.  But then her face lights and she gets so excited to read and learn.  I suppose that she is learning, even if it’s not a measurable amount.  She is learning about America and Americans.  Those are important lessons in she will need for her life here in addition to the reading and writing.