Aha Moments

Mar 10, 2011 by Yolanda Fontanez-Coleman | Reading

We all have experienced at least one Aha moment at some point in our lives. As a teacher, I have had the pleasure of witnessing those Aha moments from the perspective of my students. Let me tell you – there is nothing better than watching a student finally “get it”.  It’s amazing to see the light bulb turn on and watch as a child grasps a concept for the first time! Imagine how incredibly gratifying it is when that student is your very own child?

In our house, every night before bed we allocate time for reading. My kids have a choice; they can read independently, read to us, or we can read together as a family. The other night I left my twins all snuggled in their beds with books in hand. I told them to read independently and that I would return to listen to their stories after I tucked their little sister in for the night.

Just so you know – my twins are on very different reading levels. They both love reading, but the mechanics come more easily for one than the other. When I came back my one daughter read me several pages of her Junie B Jones book with very little effort. We discussed what she read and she continued reading independently as I went over to begin reading with my other daughter. Now at this point it is about 8:30 pm, which is late for us, and I am praying that she doesn’t get too frustrated if she encounters any words she does not recognize. Boy was I surprised! She read the book fluently and accurately – not one error – and it was the first time she read this book.

She was so proud of herself. She looked at me with the biggest smile and said, “I did it Mom, I read it without any help.” There it was – that wonderful Aha moment. I was so grateful to have witnessed my daughter experience it for herself. I asked how she was able to get those big words out and she said, “Well I sounded them out and then if I didn’t get it I asked my sister!”

A few weeks ago she would have gotten easily frustrated and would have never thought to ask her sister for help. I am in awe of her; she has been working so hard and is so eager to succeed.  I stood there filled with pride and amazement. I love my job – Mommy and Teacher all in one!

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