Bobby Can Read

This was written after my own experience with my child. It is a story he and I wrote using his word lists. To encourage him to read his stories, I helped him write his own story about reading. We had a lot of fun doing this, and it was a challenge sticking to the words on the lists, especially for him. His favorite part was drawing pictures, but he enjoyed it the same.

Bobby is in first grade. He has to read a book. Bobby does not want to read; he wants to play.

"It's time to read, Bobby," his mother says.

"No, I want to play."

"You can play after you read," Mother says.

"It's not fair." Bobby is sad.

"Come, Bobby, sit with me. Tell me why it is not fair."

"I don't want to read; I want to play."

Mother smiles and says, "School work will help you one day."

"When I grow up, I am going to be a fireman," Bobby says.

"A fireman has to read." Mother smiles. "A fireman has to read, so he will know where to go."

"Well, I am going to go to the moon," says Bobby.

"You will still have to read." Mother smiles again. "How will you know how to get to the moon?"

Mother picks up a book and opens to the first page. Bobby sees the moon.

"What does it say?" Asks Bobby.

Mother gives Bobby the book.

Bobby reads, "I see the moon." He laughs.

"We can read it after bath time." Mother takes the book.

"No! I want to read it now." Bobby is happy.

Bobby reads to his mother. The book tells of a boy who wants to go to the moon.

"This boy is like me," Bobby says.

"Yes, he is," Mother says.

Bobby likes the book. He wants to read the book again.

"It is fun to read!" Bobby says. "Can we read it again?"