Brainiac Child

Today I wanted to see how well Maxwell can spell. He started reading simple words at 3 1/2 this last summer, but I haven't worked with him too much on it because I wanted him to stay excited about reading and not feel like I was pressuring him into it. Today I wanted to see how well he could spell, so I let him sit at my computer and told him to type the word "cat." He did so perfectly. Then I pushed enter and asked him to spell another word, then another. I didn't sound it out or anything or show him where the letters were on the keyboard. He did everything on his own, and then added words that rhyme without my asking him to spell them. Here is the list he typed. Naturally there are several repeat words, but at least he understands spelling and rhyming. Not too shabby for a kid who turned 4 just a week ago! (note that he didn't capitalize them on his own--that was automatic from pushing enter):

Cat

Hat

Bat

Sat

Hat

Bat

Sat

Mat

Cat

Hit

Sit

Mit

Fit

Bit

Cut

But

Hut