If I remember correctly and all, I think I was in 3rd or 4th grade when I was really able to start reading on my own and when I could actually put the words all together to make sense. I didn't really learn too much from being in school (just starting to read) but it was more from my parents. Growing up, my parents would always read me a bedtime story. This was something that I would always look forward to because it was so much fun at the time. One thing that I really remember reading is "The Night Before Christmas" with my dad and mom on Christmas Eve. I remember looking at all of the pictures and because we were only "able" to read this book once a year, I really enjoyed that. As I grew older, I took that same book and started reading it on my own even though it wasn't Christmas. One of my other favorite childhood books was "CHICKA CHICKA BOOM BOOM". I absolutely loved this book to death. The letters in it really drew me into the story and yes, I found it very funny as a child. -Though I do still like it. Anyways, that book could quite possibly be the reason why I am an art major now because I loved the way everything in that book looked. My parents were no doubt my greatest influence when it came to reading. Not saying that school didn't help, but without my parents, I wouldn't be where I am today. So I thank them. In all, looking back, I want to say that my early literary learning experience was something that I will never forget because it was such a great experience.