I have wanted to introduce Star Wars to my son for a couple of years now. He is a seven year old boy who is often lost in thought. While I'd love to know more about what he is thinking, I understand they are not my thoughts to have. He is his own person; an individual. I have noticed for some time that his agenda and my agenda are not the same agendas at all. I have had to take a step back and pay close attention. If there is something I believe he may enjoy, I have to have a well thought out plan in order for it to work out. This time, I think I can pat myself on the back and say "job well done". You see, when I state the fact that we have different agendas, it is a plain and simple fact. He is his own person. He has his own mind...his own thoughts...his own desires. I am merely one who is available to supply possibilities and it is, ultimately, his choice to make what is available to him his own or to make a request for other ideas to be supported. Needless to say, it is very exciting when I think he may enjoy something and he actually does! My mind gives us both a point on the score board and I get to do a bit of a happy jig. Who wouldn't be thrilled with a win-win situation? Our moment with Star Wars was not exempt from a well thought out plan. My plan included a book series and a video game.
Book selection was critical. My child's journey with reading began within the world of hyperlexia. When he was between 18 and 24 months, I began to notice he was traveling through a galaxy of phonemes and phonics at warp speed with the joy of decoding- by himself. He made meaning of written language structures before using the structure for the means of communication. For him, it was much like a puzzle to be conquered; a mathematician's proof to be mastered. Now, as a reader, he is balancing his abilities with decoding and comprehending what has actually been read. Without meaningful access, the information conveyed is lost or is viewed as booooring. Sometimes what is read is done so for the joy of hearing sounds that are funny and is for the sake of word calling; engagement isn't always due to what is meaningful for others. He is a unique individual who has gained an appreciation for letters and sounds beyond what another typically sees; an aesthetically beautiful object to be manipulated and enjoyed.
Well, I discovered a treasure! I found a great set of DK Reader books that went into detail about Star Wars. It wasn't an overly wordy set and included typical non-fiction text features that provided him logical tools for his inquisitive mind- like a glossary. This set is intended for a reader who is ready to read alone and below his instructional reading level; he is able to access the information, think about it, and enjoy what he discovers. This meant a lot of extra information wasn't going to get in the way. It got to the point and wasn't full of fluff. The book series are an outline that gave a basic idea about the characters, setting and plot, yet there was enough unstated for him to want to explore Star Wars a bit more.
Then, we began to play Angry Birds: Star Wars. Initially, he watched me play and his curiosity grew. I let him play a bit with me and he started to talk about what he knew about the character being portrayed by the birds. He began to talk about terms he understood from the books and applied them to the game. We began to engage in a conversation about the Jedi use of the Force- completely initated by my son. Later, I gave him the chance to take turns with me, until I finally handed over the reins and let him enjoy himself and play the game solito; I moved on to the space he calls his own (a.k.a - his room) and began a new quest I was pretty proud of (Part Two of Division of an Empire: Not Today).
Because we started the interest together, he came over to include me in parts of his gaming experience. There were moments of frustration, inquiry, and celebration. Most important is: I was able to let him be, but he held an invisible link and willingly engaged with me on his own terms. Independence with inclusive opportunities are the ones I absolutely LOVE! I will admit it. I want meaningful time with my child. I thrive when the opportunity presents itself and am excited when I can fulfill one of his Love Languages.
Soon, I imagine he'll be willing to sit and start the movie series with me. Hmmmm...I wonder if I should rock some amazing Princess Leia Honey Buns in my hair for the occasion. Only time will tell.
