Son's reading

Angela - posted on 01/07/2009

Quoting Sarah:

Son's reading

Does anyone else have a boy/child that has trouble or doesn't like to read?
MY son is 9 and has always struggled with reading. He doesn't enjoy it like my daughter does so I think that has something to do with it, but I have told him that reading is very important and you need it with everything you do in life. Any suggestions on good ways to get him to like it?

Get his eyes tested with a Behavioural Optometrist - they help kids with reading difficulites

[deleted account]

My daughter has always liked to read, and I am very rarely without a book I am reading. I thought my boys must have some kind of difficulty reading and therefore "didn't like" it. That theory didn't pan out, because my daughter, who is the youngest, has dyslexia in common with my husband. As it turned out, both of our boys were late bloomers when it came to wanting to read (and enjoying it) on their own. They both are very into video games and movies because it is one thing they both have in common with my husband and one of the rare times all three bond. Usually, my boys argue and fight too much to settle down and bond with each other and their dad and he has to do an activity with each boy separately.

My husband thought it genius but it was actually a lucky shot in the dark that got them reading and discussing books with each other, as well as with my husband and I.

2 years ago, Mrs. Claus tucked some books into Santa's sleigh for the boys. They were the first 3 books in the HALO series, based off the extraordinarily popular XBOX games. Those 3 books were a revelation. It wasn't that my sons had a hard time reading or were uncomfortable reading, they had just been bored with all of previous choices provided.

Once they were hooked, they couldn't stand to be without a book. They have read that series probably half a dozen times each. Not only would they read during the day or at bedtime, we caught them staying up till after midnight reading. We were thrilled and I happily bought the rest of the Halo series, then branched out based on their other favorites.

I bought the whole Percy Jackson series, plus the 2 books written after the series. My youngest is anxiously waiting for the next book. Although Percy Jackson (and all mythology) was my younger son's favorite, my oldest was interested enough to read.

For my oldest, who loves Sci Fi, I started buying Star Trek books and they were a big hit, as well. He actually read a Charles Dickens anthology I had bought for homeschooling material, and asked me to look and see if I could find more stories by the same author. He was quite surprised that those stories were written in the 19th century.

My advice is just to find that common ground where his favorite movies or toys, etc., meet with books he would likely enjoy, then once he enjoys reading, branch out to new topics.

Lauran - posted on 01/11/2009

Quoting Sarah:

Son's reading

Does anyone else have a boy/child that has trouble or doesn't like to read?
MY son is 9 and has always struggled with reading. He doesn't enjoy it like my daughter does so I think that has something to do with it, but I have told him that reading is very important and you need it with everything you do in life. Any suggestions on good ways to get him to like it?

 

It's very common for boys to not even have the *physical* maturity to learn to read at all before the age of eight.   He may just be getting there now.  Perhaps he will respond well to knowing that, and understanding that he is normal. He may also respond well to having fun books read aloud to him/ the whole family --- try Ralph Moody's book _Little Britches: Father and I were Ranchers_  published by Bison Press, and the rest of the books in the series. Its a series that appeals to boys and girls, adults and children-- and the stories are all true.   You might also find encouragement in the books by Raymond and Dorothy Moore, such as _Better Late Than Early_.

Best regards!

Sarah - posted on 01/08/2009

My 10 year old is in year 6. He has never shown any interest in books until year 6.

They are reading Anthony Horrowitz. He has read most of his books in the last 3 months. I have never known him to read so many books. Now he has read most of these books, he doesn't want to read any others. Try you child with these book. They are horror books but for children. Hope this helps. SArah

Zoe - posted on 01/08/2009

Quoting Sarah:

Son's reading

Does anyone else have a boy/child that has trouble or doesn't like to read?
MY son is 9 and has always struggled with reading. He doesn't enjoy it like my daughter does so I think that has something to do with it, but I have told him that reading is very important and you need it with everything you do in life. Any suggestions on good ways to get him to like it?

sarah my son is 8 and he has always had trouble with reading writing and general educational activities the school has been a fantastic help encouraging him but with no or little progress we have recently found out that he is a sufferer of severe dislexia and he also has low case hearing and a speech impediment wich leads to frustration on jakes part!

if you are concerned about your sons reading just have a chat with his teacher and they will assess him and help you as much as they can!!

you could also try a reward system if he has another hobby using time with his chosen activity for half an hour sitting with you reading!

take care

zoe

Cindi - posted on 01/07/2009

Sarah,

Here are a couple of things that have worked for my 9 year old son, Hayden, who is also a relutant/struggling reader:

1. We have been reading aloud to him since he was a baby. At this point, we read books that are of interest to him, but are generally above his reading level. He gets to listen to stories he enjoys & we are modeling fluent reading, comprehension, etc. for him.



2. We've searched and searched for books he likes to read. His favorites are the Hank Zipzer series, the Beast Quest series, and (alas, but, oh well...)the Captain Underpants series. He also LOVES to read Pokemon & Yugioh (sp?) cards,



3. We give Hayden lots of support when reading (he has a learning disability, but I think these strategies would be great for any child):

*when it's his turn to read (20 min a night) - he reads one or two pages to us, then my husband or I read a page or two to him - this gives him a "brain break" and helps build comprehension for the book he's reading.

*Hayden uses a reading "window" (cardboard, paper, etc.) that blocks out everything but the sentence he is currenly reading in order to reduce visual distractions.

*we have built reading into our evening routine. After bath, we snuggle up to read - Hayden has cookies & milk, we talk about the story, and make it a very special time

* Hayden likes book series. So, when he finishes reading one book in a series, we celebrate by heading off to the bookstore and buying the next book in the series.



4. When Hayden was in 2nd, and wasn't at "grade level" in reading (be careful with that designation!!!), he began to receive extra support in his school's amazing "Lit Lab" (small group instruction). By third grade he only showing very little (not enough!) growth in reading (compared to his own assessment data - not other kids), and we had him tested to figure out what was going on. Our suspicions were confirmed...he has a specific learning disability in processing (a much bigger issue in writing!). I'm in no way at all suggesting that your son may have a learning disability. Rather, you and his teachers gather reliable data on his reading progress and monitor his growth in reading. As long as there is growth, that's a good thing. If he shows very little or no growth, then it is well worth exploring why not.



Finally, remember that he is a B -O-Y!!! I'm guessing that, like most boys, he'd rather be playing a video game, jumping on a trampoline, building with Legos, annoying a sibling, etc. than sitting still and quietly reading a book. The more social you can make the reading experience (read together, etc), the better!

Mary - posted on 01/07/2009

My mom used to run a reading clinic and she has mentioned before that large muscle exercise (running, jumping, climbing, etc) is what helps develop the part of the brain where reading is learned. have no idea if this applies, but you might make sure he's getting enough active play! These days- from what i hear- schools are sending home a lot of homework at a young age and kids are having less really active play time at home and at school (and add to that they might rather play a video game or whatever...). But, play and learning are really interconnected at this age. Good-luck!

User - posted on 01/07/2009

Have you found the www.guysread.com site by author Jon Sczieska? It's a great help and wealth of resources to get boys reading. Henry Winkler wrote a series, "Hank Zipzer," that young boys often enjoy. Winkler was dyslexic himself and struggled as a reader. His stories are high interest for boys who don't enjoy reading. 

User - posted on 01/07/2009

How often do you read to him?  My 7yo son was like this, hating to read.  We have no TV; we read aloud as a family every night before bed, and he loves books because of this.  His love for books has very recently motivated him to try reading on his own time.  If you just make it enjoyable for him, eventually he may discover that it's worth the effort it takes at first.  Hope this helps.

Trisha - posted on 01/07/2009

Well, I dont have a solution but I am in the same boat. Alexis will be 8 and she struggles like crazy with reading. So much that she hates having to read. Its also affecting her school work cause she has trouble reading the assignments and the questions! I m scared we might have to do 2nd grade again. And she will be devastated! So I too am up for any suggestions!!!

Cindy - posted on 01/07/2009

Quoting Shelby:

Does your son enjoy sports.  If he does have him start collecting sport trading cards..baseball cards, football etc...  My husband did not like to read as a child so this is how his mom got him to enjoy it.  He had a those cards memorized.  My son doesn't enjoy reading but he loves to collect Pokemon cards..he reads about the characters....it is reading I guess!

 

It is absolutely reading!! =)  There is a mom in a homeschool group that I am a part of whose son learned to read using Pokemon cards. 

User - posted on 01/07/2009

Does your son enjoy sports.  If he does have him start collecting sport trading cards..baseball cards, football etc...  My husband did not like to read as a child so this is how his mom got him to enjoy it.  He had a those cards memorized.  My son doesn't enjoy reading but he loves to collect Pokemon cards..he reads about the characters....it is reading I guess!

Jenni - posted on 01/07/2009

If his attention span is good, then it probably isn't ADD.  My son had absolutely no attention span, unless he was playing video games.

School is much more difficult than when we were there.  I'm always amazed at the level of expection they have for the kids.  You may want to chat with the teacher & see if he/she thinks there may be a learning problem.  That's how my testing all started.  His Kindergarten teacher wanted to hold him back, which I refused to let them do.  His 1st grade teacher was on my level of concern & went to the teacher committee to have him undergo testing.  It is a lengthy process, but well worth it.

As far as medicating for ADD, the doctor we took my son to had us agree to a QEEG, which is a brain scan that determines what chemical, if any, the brain is depleted of.  It's a pretty cool process.  I'd consider natural remedies if I was completely sold on the outcome, but my son needed help & fast.  I choose to medicate because it works, but I completely research everything ahead of time.

User - posted on 01/07/2009

Thank You everyone for your advice. I had though of ADD before but I guess I am just afraid that Dr's medicate to fast and wonder if they use the ADD as a quick fix and answer. He has a good attention span in everything it seems, except reading.  I get frustrated with the school too because they have these levels they should be on for a fourth grader and in my opinion, the books they think these kids should be reading are ridiculously hard. When I was in school the stuff he's doing now(Algebra, 30 chapter books...etc) I was doing in 6th and 7th grade. 

Jenni - posted on 01/07/2009

I should have added that my son will read books in subjects that interest him.  For whatever reason he is has a big non-fiction interest & then anything Star Wars, of course.

After experiencing this with my children, I don't believe that you can make a non-reader a book lover!  My youngest & I are the big readers in the house.  My husband, son & oldest daughter would rather not pick up a book.

Jenni - posted on 01/07/2009

My son never clicked with sounding out words & now that he does read, hates it!  It's a real chore for him.  He's in 3rd grade now, but I had tested through the school for learning disabilities & even brought him to a doctor to test him for ADD.  We found out that he was ADHD & since medicating him, his reading has come a long way - HOWEVER, he does not enjoy it at all.  Because of his ADHD he qualified for extra services through the school.

Just so you know, my 14 year old daughter does not like to read either & she's always been an advanced reader.  The only book I've ever seen her want to read was Twilight & it took her 6 weeks to get through it!

Good Luck!

Jenni - posted on 01/07/2009

My son never clicked with sounding out words & now that he does read, hates it!  It's a real chore for him.  He's in 3rd grade now, but I had tested through the school for learning disabilities & even brought him to a doctor to test him for ADD.  We found out that he was ADHD & since medicating him, his reading has come a long way - HOWEVER, he does not enjoy it at all.  Because of his ADHD he qualified for extra services through the school.

Just so you know, my 14 year old daughter does not like to read either & she's always been an advanced reader.  The only book I've ever seen her want to read was Twilight & it took her 6 weeks to get through it!

Good Luck!

Jenni - posted on 01/07/2009

My son never clicked with sounding out words & now that he does read, hates it!  It's a real chore for him.  He's in 3rd grade now, but I had tested through the school for learning disabilities & even brought him to a doctor to test him for ADD.  We found out that he was ADHD & since medicating him, his reading has come a long way - HOWEVER, he does not enjoy it at all.  Because of his ADHD he qualified for extra services through the school.

Just so you know, my 14 year old daughter does not like to read either & she's always been an advanced reader.  The only book I've ever seen her want to read was Twilight & it took her 6 weeks to get through it!

Good Luck!

Abigail - posted on 01/07/2009

My suggestion:   First, ask him if he sees the story like a video in his head or if he only sees the words on the page there is a problem.  When it is hard to see the letters clearly, it robs you of the ability to create pictures of the story in head.  You may realize he needs to have his vision checked.  Reading aloud to kids enables them to create the video images in their head and usually that ability transfers when they begin to read on their own.  It doesn't when a child has visions issues.....including the type that don't require glasses.  Like Dyslexia.  Just my thought.  Good luck! 

Taryn - posted on 01/07/2009

Hi! I agree with the previous posters but worst case senario, try getting him tested. Sometimes children exhibit problems by making it seem like they just don't like it and actually have a problem that can be easily corrected with proper training and helpsuch as dyslexia

Cindy - posted on 01/07/2009

My son absolutely HATED reading!! We later found out that he is dyslexic. I think that it had some to do with his hatred of reading; however, I truly believe that if you find something that he is interested in reading, it will change his attitude. My son at 10 now LOVES to read and begs not to stop. I would like to suggest some books to get your son started. These books are ones that I think EVERY boy will love to read. The author is Andy Griffiths. My son first read, The Day My Butt Went Psycho first. It is the first book in a series of BUTT books. The books that follow are, Zombie Butts From Uranus and Butt Wars. andy Griffiths also has a JUST series that is about all the troubles that little boys can get themselves into. This author truly sparked a love for reading in my son! Good luck!!



You can find out more about his books here:

http://scholastic.com/andygriffiths/inde...

Susan - posted on 01/07/2009

My son was the same way. He is 11 now and this last year I figured out if I read with him. I will read a page and then he will read a page. And I let him pick out a book one night then I pick the next one out. Now he is doing better with readying he is even reading with his sister who reads all the time. And I made a chart and everytime he would read a book I would put a star on the sheet when he got so many starts I took him to the store and let him get like a soda or something as a reward. Then after awhile I make the goal a little more and a little more. Hope this helps. Good Luck!!

Glenna - posted on 01/07/2009

My son who is now 20 never liked to read also. We homeschooled our childen and he was the hardest to teach. Try finding books that are in his interest range. We had Chris read books about skateboarding and motorcycles when he was that age. Chris is still not an advid reader but has great comprehension when he does read.

We also made it a rule that  every minute spent at the tv or on the computer had to be matched with reading minutes.

Also, at night, try reading aloud to all the kids, it helps to peak their interest in books.

Hope this helps.

Chante - posted on 01/07/2009

My son wasn't a big fan of reading until he actually found books that were interesting to him. He just didn't find the books interesting. His fourth and fifth grade teachers really found interesting novels that he TRULY enjoyed and couldn't put down. When he had to do 30 minutes of reading every night, we let him read the comics...He LOVED Calvin and Hobbes so now we have every Calvin and Hobbes book ever published!

My daughter is a read and so am I. He is when he finds a book that truly interests him but they are few and far between.!