Getting Children to Read About This Page:

[SarahJ]

I'm looking for some advice on encouraging a ten year old to read more.

My fiance's step-sister (actually, his dad's girlfriend's daughter) just turned ten yesterday. Brooke is entering fourth grade this year and I would put her reading skills at about the first to second grade level. She had trouble reading very simple birthday card last night. She has an older brother and I think what has happened is that he or her mom have just always read stuff to her instead of helping her read it herself. She is a very bright girl but she gets frustrated easily when she can't do something.

Her mom has just now started reading with her. Brooke will read one page then her mom will read the next. A good start I think, but I'd like to help too if she'll let me. I've always been a good reader and don't know how anyone can get by without reading well.

We gave her the first two Harry Potter books for her birthday in hopes that it would encourage her to read because all her friends are reading them. My mom, an elementary school teacher, has said that these books have made strong readers out of a lot of her students who were behind.

Any suggestiong on what else can I do to encourage her? I don't have a ton of spare time right now with planning the wedding otherwise I would read with her too. After the wedding, I hope to be able to help her more.

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Sarah

Sept 2000 Poly & Cruise
First trip and honeymoon!

[Cruella]

There is one trick that the Moms in my neighborhood use during the summer months. For every book that a child reads, and then writes a short summary for, they receive $5. It's a good way to lure them away from the pool or TV and they can make some spending money as well.

Good luck! I, myself, read 4-5 books a week (less, though, when I'm reading trip reports!)and I cannot imagine what life would be like if I couldn't read well. Here's some pixie dust to help out...



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Cruella ºoº
"...where the young at heart, of all ages, can laugh and play and learn, together!"

Cruella

[sogger1]

I have used Pokeman to my advantage. My son has to read books to earn packets of cards.

[Fortissimo]

You just asked a question that is right up my alley! I just finished my Masters in Diverse Learning, and reading difficulties was a major part of the program.

Brooke should be tested for learning disabilities right away. She may have some sort of disability that is preventing her from reading.

Very bright children in other areas can still have a disability in reading. These students have difficulty making connections, tracking, recognizing words, letters, and many other skills that we take for granted. One of my DH nieces has a learning disability specific to reading, although her I.Q. is tested at 125, which is above average.

A full-child study can be done through the schools. This study checks a variety of things, such as hearing, vision, IQ, and at which level the child operates at. If Brooke is tested and there is a wide discrepancy between her reading level and her IQ, there is definately a learning disability specific to reading present. Once the disability is identified, the teachers and parents can work out strategies to aid the child.

Before Brooke is tested, if the parents decide to go this route, there are still tons of things that can be done to help her read. Reading with her parents is the first step. She should also be introduced to books that are in her interest areas that are at her reading level. For example, if she likes horses, she should be introduced to a book that deals with horses that is also at her reading level. DH's niece, Megan, is the same age as Brooke, with what sounds as about the same reading level. Megan leves the "Box Car Children" series. I can't remember the authors name, sorry, but they are adventure and mystery books about 2 brothers and 2 sisters who are orphaned and have to move in with their grandfather. I even love these books!

Sorry this was so long. I hope it helps (and I hope I didn't step on any toes by suggesting having Brooke tested for learning disabilites. If I did, I am very sorry!)

[debe]

Fortissimo I think you may have hit the nail on the head with your posting.

Our son who is now 23, had a very difficult time with reading. He was tested and found to be perceptially impaired (sure I spelled this wrong) with eye/hand cordination problems... anyway, he finally got the help needed and went from a D/F student in Elem to A/B student in H.S.

Also finding something that interests the child makes a difference too. Shawn wasn't interested in what Dick and Jane were doing. He was interested in books that he was able to relate too such as auto mechanics, my medical books, outdoors...etc... Once he was given books that he wanted to read, his reading abilities took off...

Another thing that makes a big difference in school is a CARING TEACHER! He had a couple that helped turn him in the right direction... I am so thankful for them.

I wish Brooke the very best.

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"Remember the Magic!"
Happy Planning!
Take Care, debe-nj

[This message has been edited by debe (edited 08-18-2000).]

[Hayley]

Sarah,
You should encourage the parents to look into disability testing (like Fortissimo said) if your niece really seems like she "gets" other stuff, but is not connecting with reading. I have a disability with numbers (dyscalculia) and wasn't tested until I was a senior in high school. I am very intelligent (if I do say so myself!), and everyone assumed that "math was harder for me, after all, it's tough for everyone". Not so. I can't tell my left hand from my right, tell time, count out change, do simple math problems, follow driving directions. And, in high school I was an A student, and took honors classes in everything but math. (try doing honors physics without knowing trig!!)
So, if reading is really a problem, get her tested early. Earlier testing would have saved me a lot of tears and frustrations. Thankfully, I know what's wrong now, and can use coping mechanisms to overcome the inherent problems I have with numbers.
Oh, and I loved Black Beauty when I was little. Try that or anything by Marguerite Henry. Good horse books.