What do you do (would you do)?

MommyToAshley wrote: Library time is a big deal around here, and Ashley looks forward to getting new books. When we get home, Ashley will open the books and "read" them. She only knows about 10-15 words by sight, so she makes up stories based on the pictures. I look forward to these stories, they are so fun and creative and really give a lot of insight into what her little mind is thinking.

Here's my delima. Later, usually before bedtime, she will ask me to read the stories to her. I always read the stories in the book as they are written. From that point forward, when Ashley "reads" the books she follows the story line that I read to her. I have thought about repeating the stories she made up, but I haven't done that for a couple of reasons. The first being that she is learning to recognize some words by sight and I don't want to confuse her. The other is that I don't want her to think that I am not honest with her. I am sure she knows that she is making up the stories, and would know if I did the same. But, there is still a part of me that just loves hearing the stories that she has made up. I don't want to do anything to discourage her imagination.

Teachers out there, what would you suggest? Parents, what do you think? What d you do?

b&bsmom replied: I would write down her stories that she reads so you can read them to her from her own book. I would get a journal and when she starts telling you a story ask her if you can write it in her own book so you can read it to her later. You could even buy the books that have blank on top and lines on bottom so she could draw pictures to go along with her stories. That way she has her own books and you can still read her the books from the library as they are written. I agree in reading the books as they are written if she is starting to recognize words. You don't want to confuse her. Brittany and I write in her journal before she goes to bed about what she did today and she loves hearing me read them back to her. It is a great keepsake. Have fun

amynicole21 replied: I agree, write down the story as she tells it. Imagine how great that will be when she goes back in 25 years to read it... maybe even reading it to her own children

Josie83 replied: That sounds like a good idea, she'd probably enjoy looking back at them when she's older! It sounds to me as though you're already doing a great job with her. She's obviously trying to read them and then when you give her the "proper" reading, she's absorbing that too. I'd be more worried about aving up for the yearly subs for Mensa xx

3_call_me_mama replied: I agree. Write down the stories as she tells them and then do as you are adn read te right words. Tell her you are writing down what her story so that you can read it together later. Also, try having her add what she thinks happens next. Don't know if you ever watch NOGGIN but on it they often have common stories and then kids tell their version of what happens next (so the basic story stays the same but she would be creating a part 2) So then you still get the creativity and wonderful story from her without feleing like you are changing the story or confusing her.

MommyToAshley replied: OHHHH! I like the idea of writing them down... what a neat idea!

jcc64 replied: Hey Dee Dee-
There are kits for making and "publishing" your own book. There are pages for corresponding illustrations, and it is geared specifically for kids. My son had one called "Illustory" and we got it as a gift a few years back. I think my mom ordered it from hearthsong.com or toystogrowon.com. Nice keepsake.

coasterqueen replied:
Kylie has one of those too. Maybe I should get it out now and try it. I forgot all about it. GREAT IDEA!

b&bsmom replied: I am a consultant for Discovery Toys and they have a book that you can get that you can make and send away and they will make it into a book. If you are looking for one let me know and I can help you to get it. Just a thought

MommyToAshley replied: I did find one:

IlluStory Book Kit

It looks like it will be perfect. Thanks for your suggestions!

luvbug00 replied: I think it's a great Idea too! I also think it's good that you read it back to her the way it's written I don't think it will hinder her creativity she sounds like a bright little girl!

ian'smommy replied:
That is cool! I bookmarked it for when I notice Ian making up his own stories.... It is an awesome idea to have them make up stories, get them "published" and give t hem to the grandparents for Christmas or something. Kids are always so proud of their accomplishments and I can see kids being very proud of their own stories..