Kids and reading
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| Mon, 01-22-2007 - 9:28am |
Hi all,
Although my DS is only 9, I'm posting here in hopes of getting some perspective from parents of teens -- especially those who didn't read much in earlier years but are now able to and/or interested in reading higher-level material.
My DS is attending a gifted program this year (Grade 4) and doing well. For all that, he has never been much of a reader, especially compared to his 10-year-old sister, who reads adult books. I think he's somehow decided that reading is his sister's "territory" -- i.e., she's so advanced that he doesn't have a hope of competing so he just won't go there. He has no problem with the mechanics of reading; he learned to read effortlessly at age 4 and was reading chapter books by 5. His reading comprehension is also ahead of grade level, according to the tests they give kids periodically at school. It's just that he doesn't choose to read.
I worry that he won't develop into a literate adult (and end up flipping burgers at Wendy's) if he doesn't read more. Any and all perspectives welcome!
Freelance

A love of reading comes from finding an appreciation and love for the material being read. Trick is to find books that interest your son (even if they are at actual grade level). Remember that a 4th grade book is written to appeal to the average 4th grade child. To meet them on their own social, emotional and interest level. It could be that he's not emotionally or developmentally ready for the content of the books at his reading level.
Remember, Gifted children develop asynchronously.
Try reading a book aloud to him. Take a chapter each night and see if you can spark his interest in reading for the pure enjoyment of the storyline. My suggestion would be the book "Redwall" by Brian Jacques. There is an entire series of Redwall books but the first is simply called Redwall. These were written by Mr. Jacques for him to read aloud on his radio show, for the benifit of the students attending a blind school. The language is rich and very descriptive. It's a perfect read aloud book for a child your son's age. A book where animals are personifed, it's filled with Pirates, sword fights, adventures, narrow escapes, intense battles and a very unlikely hero. I even catch my 13 year old Gifted son re-reading the series from time to time.
Also consider that books don't have to be fiction. If your son has a passion for something, look to magazines and non-fiction publications centered around those passions.
stacy
My two kids are polar opposite with reading as well...my older one consumes books like candy and my younger will only read 'required' reading. I think it's a personality thing. Maybe he just has't found what interests him. Take him to the library and show him different types of books. My oldest would only enjoy 'factual' type books for a long time. Books on trucks, animal, whatever his interest in. Comic books. Capt. Underpants. Nick Magazine. Just give him plenty of opportunity to decide for himself what he enjoys, but it's a fact that he may just not be a reader. I guess as long as he's up to speed on his skills, don't stress too badly! :)
Denise
I think you hit the nail on the head!!! I am the volunteer head librarian (I make sure to say volunteer because my only qualifications is my love for books and love to spend time there!) at my kid's school and this bothers me soooo much. When parents of 4th graders, for example, tell their kids to get 7th-8th grade reading level books because they think they need to be reading at that level.....Hello!!! a lot of the material in these books is not only boring to some younger kids but may not even be appropriate.
I agree that any reluctant reader needs to find a genre of books they enjoy and build from there. My daughter doesn't read that much (7th grade) but this year the Lit teacher is having them read 3 books per quarter and write summaries. In searching for books to read, she has discovered that there is a lot out there that she wasn't even giving a chance. Now she reads more than the required amount and is enjoying it.
Karin
You've gotten some terrific advice so not really much I can add!
I guess I am more of a passive person!
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