Once upon a time …
This isn’t a new image, it’s one I took when Brooks began his reading life and I started my photography career. As a teacher, learning to read is so important and I know how challenging it can be for some children. It was hard for me, and I didn’t want Brooks to go through the same struggles that I did. When Brooks entered PEPP (pre-K), he knew all his sounds but he couldn’t name the letters (he went to a Montessori pre-school). All he cared about was playing, building, and rolling around (wrestling) on the carpet with his friends.
Once upon a time I was so worried about how school would go for him.
He had zero interest in learning anything which is why I placed him in a two year developmental kindergarten program. In California, the cut off date for incoming K’s is December 1st. With a late fall birthday, he was eligible to begin, but he would always be the youngest and he had no interest in school. I gave him one of the greatest gifts I could … the gift of time. He was given an extra year to explore and play while he was learning. He had so much fun, he didn’t even know he was learning the valuable skills that would help him be successful.
In this image, he was reading one of his first emergent reading books that he brought home each day. It helped to develop the confidence and skills needed at his pace. He’s been so blessed to have an amazing teacher each year. Now as a first grader, I get to take a peek at him through the common door to our rooms and see him with his face buried in a book or immersed in a discussion in his reading group. It makes my heart sing!! I couldn’t be more proud!
I realize that each child is unique, but if you are ever in a similar situation and have the ability to give the gift of time, I promise you would never regret the decision.
Please continue on with my very talented friend, Jessica Drossin | Los Angeles Photographer and Photography Textures Creator.
San Diego Family Photographer | Jules Trandem Photography on Facebook | The Bloom Forum
by Jules
Jessica Drossin - I love the use of light here!
Life with Kaishon - Adorable shot : )
I hope he continues to love reading.
Kara May - What a fantastic image! Love the creativity with the lighting and seeing his name in letters on the wall. Great capture!
Val Spring - No doubts one of my favorite of yours of all times! And I agree on the wonderful gift you gave him by waiting until he was ready. You are a great Mama!!!
aubry {phoenix az photographer} - oooooh, your lighting effect is awesome… great job this week.
Gretchen - Oh yes, you gave him a wonderful wonderful gift! He is so lucky to call you Mama. Love this image, it touches my heart having our new little reader!
Paula - MMM I love this one. Great impact!