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Reading With Mom
Introduced to reading through Primary Phonics Storybooks that my mother read with me. These early moments gave me confidence and made reading feel safe and fun. -
Kindergarten
Started learning to read letters and basic words in a formal education setting. This was my first structured experience with reading, where I began making connections between letters, sounds, and simple words. -
Speech Therapy
Attended speech therapy sessions to improve pronunciation of the "th" sound. Working on my speech helped me become more confident when reading aloud and taught me that reading and speaking skills go hand in hand. -
First Chapter Book Series
Read my first full chapter book series, "The Spiderwick Chronicles", and felt a sense of accomplishment. "The Spiderwick Chronicles" sparked my imagination and made reading feel like an adventure I could explore on my own. -
School Reading Challenge
Participated in a year-long school reading challenge with monthly goals and rewards. This challenge motivated me to read consistently and explore books I wouldn't have chosen on my own. -
Discovered One Of My Favorite Series
I was introduced to "The Maze Runner" and it become one of my favorite series as well as set me down a path of reading many dystopian genre novels. It was also the first series I went out and bought for myself. -
Teacher Encouraged Me To Write My Own Story
After reading a personal narrative, my teacher encouraged me to pursue more storytelling. I realized I loved telling stories as much as I do reading them and he gave me the confidence to do so and see writing as a way to express myself. -
Discovering Audiobooks
I started listening to audiobooks when previously I was adamant about reading only physical copies. I realized the stories could come alive in a new way and audiobooks helped me enjoy reading during busy days or long drives. -
Reading To Improve My Writing
Began reading more closely to learn how authors build strong stories and books specifically about improving my writing such as Stephen King's "On Writing." I started noticing things like word choice, dialogue, and structure, and used those readings to improve my own writing. -
Teaching Reading As A Substitute
Taught reading lessons in all manner of classrooms and helping students to build their skills. Guiding students through stories and phonics made me appreciate how much effort and joy goes into learning to read. It deepened my respect for both readers and educators.