Language and Early Literacy

Every morning I enjoy watching the Today Show. Today, they had a 17 mo. old girl on the show who can read!!!! It was amazing. Her parents said she has been doing it since she was 13 mo. old? Can you even imagine a child that age reading? You HAVE to check this out!!! This has definitely increased my faith in sign language. I plan to learn more before I have children and to buy all the signing time videos...not because I want my children to read at 1 yr old (I don't think that will happen), but because I think sign language really helps to promote language and early literacy development, as well as brain development. For those of you who don't know what Signing Time is I included a link (the video is also on there). http://www.signingtime.com/?gclid=CO7Wzqfrg5ICFRFOagodCkrC9g





By Mike Celizic
TODAYShow.com contributor
updated 9:31 a.m. MT, Mon., March. 10, 2008
Elizabeth Barrett is to all appearances your standard 17-month-old girl, complete with wisps of gossamer hair so blond it’s almost white and the unsteady gait that is the definition of a toddler. As her parents and two other adults talk earnestly around her, she paws through a couple of large-format children’s books on a table, blissfully unaware of the conversation around her.

Then TODAY’s Ann Curry holds up a sheet of paper with the word “HAPPY” printed in big, block letters and asks Elizabeth to read it.

“Hap-py,” Elizabeth chirps without hesitation, enunciating each syllable in a bright little voice.
Curry holds up another sheet of paper.

“Zip-per,” Elizabeth says.

Curry goes on flashing words, none of which Elizabeth has been coached on, and the remarkable little girl reads them.

“Kang-a-roo.” “Flow-er.” “Nice to meet you.” “Take a bath.” “Good morning, Ann.”

This happened on the TODAY show Monday in New York. Elizabeth wasn’t showing off or performing, this sort of thing being old hat to her. Way back when she was 13 months old, she read her first word, says her mother, Katy Barrett of Lubbock, Texas.

The word was “corn,” and little Elizabeth read it on a cereal box at the supermarket. There was no picture of corn to give her a clue. She just pointed at the word and read it. She also signed the word in sign language.

Katy Barrett and her husband, Michael, are speech pathologists, and when Elizabeth was born, they said on Monday, they started teaching her sign language along with spoken language. They read to her often, and her favorite television program — the only one her parents let her watch — was a PBS show called “Signing Times,” which teaches kids sign language.

Yet, as much as her parents worked to stimulate her language skills, they were as astonished as anyone when she started picking out words and reading them, especially as they never attempted to teach her to read.

“We tried to do everything we could to try to stimulate her language growth,” Michael Barrett told Curry. “From day one Katy has been using sign language with her. We think anything relating to language is a good thing to nurture.”

Even so, he went on, that wouldn’t be enough to teach Elizabeth to read. “I think there’s more to it than that,” he said. “I think she has some special abilities that have just been a fortunate thing she’s been born with.”

“This is something we never expected,” added his wife. “We didn’t teach her this. We don’t sit down and drill her on words. She loves reading books.”

Nature or nurture?
The Barretts were joined by Susan Schwartz, a clinical director at the Institute for Learning and Academic Achievement at the New York University Child Study Center, who agreed that Elizabeth’s extraordinary abilities have a lot to do with genetics.

“I think she has extremely well-developed visual perception and visual memory,” Schwartz said. “I think that Katy and Michael have done a great job giving her a lot of multisensory input, so she sees things, she’s talking about them, she is signing and she is using all of those skills together.”

The Barretts said that as amazing as their daughter’s skills are, they’re also a little frightening.

“The fact that she could do it was scary to us at first,” said Michael Barrett.

“Even though this is an amazing skill, it makes her different, and it’s not easy to be different. So that worries me,” added Katy Barrett.

In fact, they said, the reason they called their local NBC affiliate with their daughter’s story was because they wanted to reach out to experts who could help them deal with Elizabeth’s abilities.

On Monday, they were surprised to discover that Elizabeth had talents they weren’t aware of. While Schwartz was talking, Curry wrote a word in script on the back of a sheet of paper, then showed it to Elizabeth.

“That’s cursive,” Michael Barrett started to say.

“Ba-by,” Elizabeth interrupted.

“She reads cursive?” Curry exclaimed.

Replied Katy Barrett, “We didn’t know that.”

PiLlOwS, PiLlOwS, aNd MoRe PiLlOwS

We recently bought some leather coaches for our new house (if we ever get it). I wanted some throw pillows to put on them, but I was discouraged by the price tags on decorative pillows. At most stores they were between $15-$30 per pillow!! So, I bought some supplies and sewd my own pillows. They are far from perfect, but it was a fun experience. I felt like I was living in an HGTV show.

What I don't like about St. George....

This weekend I have been reminded why living in the desert stinks! It seems that when the weather gets a little warm that some little bugs decide to take up residence in our house! Last summer I saw lots of bugs from scorpions to cockroaches! After I found this little bugger...I have decided that even though we are moving...I am not waiting to get this house sprayed for bugs! Goodbye scorpions!

Thanks Anna!

I just had to copy this from Anna! Tom and I tried to do this tonight and it just can't be done. lol. Have fun!


Just try this. It is from an orthopedic surgeon............

This will boggle your mind and you will keep trying over and over again to see if you can outsmart your foot, but you can't.

It's preprogrammed in your brain!

1. WITHOUT anyone watching you (they will think you are GOOFY...) and while sitting where you are at your desk in front of your computer, lift your right foot off the floor and make clockwise Circles.

2. Now, while doing this, draw the number "6" in the air with your right hand.

Your foot will change direction.

I told you so!!! And there's nothing you can do about it! You and I both know how stupid it is, but before the day is done, you are going to try it again, if you've not ready done so.

I Heart Tom <3

Tom and I had a grrrreat Valentines! I think it's a very silly day...but I like it because it's a good time to be reminded just how much we love each other, and to reflect on the good qualities we see in each other...plus it's a good excuse to give and get presents for/from my love. Tom got me a dozen roses and one of those Willow Tree statues. I prefer not to say what I got him. ;) After we both got off work we went to the Mongolian Barbecue and then to the movies to see "Definitely Maybe". It was a cute movie for couples. We enjoyed it. Hope everyone had a great Valentines! Love you all!

2 Years

It's hard for me to believe that it has been 2 years tomorrow since mom passed away. I remember the night on Feb. 9th, 2006 that I called mom to tell her I was buying a car...she was always interested in everything I did, even if it was something as stupid as buying a 10 yr old car. When I called dad answered and told me that he had had to call an ambulance for mom that morning. He didn't want to leave her side so he hadn't called anyone yet. I knew something was wrong the moment he picked up the phone.
Mom had a brain hemorrhage which was caused by some blood thinner pills she had been taking since her heart attack just a month earlier. Dad said that they were able to stop the first hemorrhage but a second had started and it wasn't looking good. I can't even tell you what it feels like to hear that. I cried, and then I tried to keep going. I was so sure that she would be just fine. 2 hours later I called back and dad told me that she wasn't going to make it. I was devastated but tried to be strong. I called Kim and Andrew to tell them the news....the hardest thing I have ever had to do.
Early the next morning, Tom and I flew to Montana which is where my parents had been serving a mission for the church. I was so sure that I would be able to see her and introduce her to Tom. I didn't even bring any clothes for a funeral--I just couldnt' believe that it would come to that. We had a layover in Cleveland which is where I was when dad told me that she was gone. I tried to think back on the last conversation I had with mom just the day before. We talked about the wedding plans (Tom and I were getting married in 5 mo.) and we talked about how excited she was to meet him. We were scheduled to go there in April. Mom wanted to talk to Tom on the phone, but I wouldn't let her. I wish I had...but I have learned to not dwell on what I wish I had said and done...that only makes it harder. Instead I just try to live every day doing what I know is right, what she taught me, so that I can be with her again someday.
My mom was a great woman. She was so kind and charitable. She was always going around serving others. If there was something to be done, she would do it. Thats what made her happy. She was so good at showing that she cared for and loved her children. She used to send me cards and letters weekly. In fact, when I came back to NY after her funeral I had a valentines card from her in the mail. She had mailed it the day before she died. Mom taught me so much...she taught me to love my Savior Jesus Christ. She taught me that families can be together forever, and that I will see her again someday. She taught me to love and to show kindness to everyone no matter who they are. She was a woman who truly knew her Savior and loved him. I know that I will see her again someday and finally be able to introduce her to Tom. I love you mom, and miss you so much!

Gordon B. Hinckley

Last Sunday the Prophet and President of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day saints passed away at the age of 97. I didn't so much feel saddened by this, but rather an overwhelming sense of peace and happiness. He led a wonderful life and I am sure he is so happy to be reunited with his wife, Marjorie P. Hinckley
I have had the chance on a few occasions to be in the presence of President Hinckley It was an amazing experience to feel the spirit that he carries with him radiate to everyone who not only enters his presence, but who hear him speak. President Hinckley truly helped to carry the gospel to every nation, kindred, tongue, and people. He will be greatly missed.
This is a great video that is a tribute to his life
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MC0W0ZVI9ak
Here is his testimony
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XXsXmhcrA_Y&feature=related

Update

Tom and I are finally moving on up in the world...we just put an offer in on a new house! We are so excited! We are just waiting to here back if our offer was accepted (we were told by the realtor that it most likely would be). Hopefully pictures will soon follow of our new place.
I'm sooo excited! We have officially lived in St. George for 1 year and it's about time we make our stay a little more permanent by buying a house...and hopefully the house will soon be home to more than just Tom and I...and our cats. ;) We are getting so excited dreaming about how we are going to decorate. The yard hasn't been landscaped yet and we are so excited to do it ourselves...we want to make our own little outdoor oasis.
Now we just have to make it to next Wednesday when we find out for sure if the house is ours!
Tom and I are still dreaming big for our future. We are both just working away trying to make our dreams come true. We love you all and hope you will keep us updated on your lives too!

Christmas in NY

Here are a few pictures from our Christmas in NY. Unfortunately I didn't get pictures of most of the things we did. We really just hung out with family. Tom enjoyed finally being able to eat NY pizza...something that Saint George is seriously lacking. We were able to go to the city one day...too bad it was raining! We stopped in Times Square, then on to the Hayden Planetarium and the Museum of Natural History...on the way back to the train station we stopped at Rockefeller Plaza to see the Christmas tree. We accidentally forgot our return tickets for the train in the machine...oops! Then, when we got back to Long Island we realized that we left the lights on and the battery in the car died...another oops! It was definitely an adventure. Anyway, here are the few pictures that I was able to get.

Tom and our nephew Nicholas


Tom and our nephew Christopher



Tom and I in Times Square


The Willamette Meteorite. This is a 15.5 ton meteorite made of metallic iron. Only 600 of the 25,000 meteorites found on earth are made of iron...pretty cool...


It's hard to see...but there is a giant whale behind me


I made Tom take this picture...as you can tell, he does not like pictures! It's the dinosaurs from Night at the Museum though...I couldn't resist.


The Christmas tree!

Hello to whoever still reads this....

Hi everyone! I just got finished doing a major cleaning to my house and I figure, what the heck, I might as well do everything on my list...so here I am updating my blog. Tom and I are just finishing up this last week of work and then we are headed off to NY for Christmas and New Years. I'm so excited! Last time I went to NY was in August and I only got to spend the weekend there. This time we have 9 days. I can't wait to see the family and go to NYC to see all the Christmas decorations. There is something about NYC that is just so magical at Christmas.
Well, here are a couple pictures from our latest adventure. It snowed in Pine Valley a couple weekends ago so we decided to escape the heat and go play in the snow. I love Saint George! We only have to drive 30 min to play in the snow. I would much rather drive 30 min. when I want to see snow then have it show up on my doorstep.

Touring Albuquerque, NM

Tom hadn't done any of the touristy things in NM yet so we took him to Old Town and on the Tramway.

Tom and I at sunset before we went up the Tram. Aint it beautiful!


A beautiful NM sunset


Dad, Cathie, JD, J9, me, and Tom


It was sooooooooo cold once we got to the top of the longest Tram in the world! Ugh, we just had to get some hot chocolate once we got up there. Thank goodness there is a restaurant at the top that could accommodate our need.




Old Town: This is a bad picture because it was just a wee bit cold. We actually saw someone getting married here--in a sleeveless dress no less. She had to be cold!

Thanksgiving in NM

Tom and I flew to NM to spend Thanksgiving with my dad and Cathie. I also got to spend time with my long lost brother Robert, and long lost sister Jeannine (AKA J9) and her son JD. I have not been in contact with them for most of my life for various reasons and I hardly knew them at all. This was a great weekend to get to know them better. I wish that Kim, Andrew, Sarah, and baby Allen had been here to share it with us...then it would have been grand! We are so thankful for all out friends and family! Here are just a few pictures.

Dad and I on Thanksgiving morning.


Eating Turkey...


More Turkey....we had to have 2 tables.


My brother Robert, sister Jeannine, and me after the big feast!


Tom and I trying to figure out the TV so we can watch football.


Grandma fell and broke a few bones right before Thanksgiving so we had to bring the Turkey to her. She insisted that she only have the wing. Dad tried to talk her out of it saying that it would be too messy. Grandma then said, "Well, your messy too sometimes." That's my 96 year old Grandma Ruth...we all love her!


Grandma, Dad, Cathie, J9, Robert, JD, and me at the nursing home.


It snowed while we were in NM so since Jeannine and I are crazy we decided to go in the hot tub while it was snowing. It actually wasn't that bad getting out.


The snow...


Dad and his dog Heidi...

New Car :)

YaY! Tom and I got a new car! We traded our 2002 Mitsubishi Lancer with 100,000 miles on it for this 2008 Honda Accord with 5 miles on it. We love it! I'm excited to finally have a car that is an automatic. The pictures aren't very good...but I still wanted to share our latest excitement!

Bryce Canyon

Tom and I had both never been to Bryce Canyon. We live so close to it, so we decided to take a little trip to do a little hiking. The view there is absolutely gorgeous! I still like Zion National Park better...but this definitely blew me away! I am continually amazed by this beautiful world that we live in.
Today at church (stake conference), Elder Holland was talking about the first pioneers who came to Southern Utah. He read an entry from the journal of one of them. It talked about how they thought this place was so barren and had nothing to offer. The same things that we find so beautiful (lava, sandstone, and red rock) they found to be so harsh and chaotic. They probably never imagined that these crazy people 100 years later would pay money to come and see it.
Anyway, I liked all the pictures we took so I just had to put them on here. Hope you like them too...




This is so pretty...


This bird let me get so close to take a picture. Thank you little bird.


A nice couple took a picture for us. Thank you nice couple...


We took this one ourselves as you can probably tell...


Tom was just a bit scared since there was a huge cliff right behind him.




This is where we took our little hike "Sunset Point".