"It takes a village to raise a child" Can you help me?

[sweet T]

Hello, I need some help with my 10 year old step son who has recently come to live with us! He is in 4th grade now and was held back in first. He is behind in his reading skills and I have given him the incentive he needs to improve. He is enthusiastic about trying! What I need is captivating reading material for him. We are reading aloud everyday for 30 min. I am an avid reader and I hope to make him one too. Do any of you have any reading suggestion? Tom Sawyer? Treasure Island? suggestions from early childhood instructors welcome..Thanks and kisses T

 

[destinie21]

I liked 2000 leauges under the sea, Charlottes Web and The hardy Boys a lot.

R.L. Stine writes what I now look at as tripe but I enjoyed it back then.

 

[Wicked-N-Erotic]

As a 10 year old my daughter loved the Goose Bumps books. Also maybe just picking out some books about sports or other famous figues he admires. Things like that would be sure to hold his attention and keep him wanting to read.


Wicked

 

[Guest]

 

[Guest]

 

[ffreak]

One of the recent winners of the Newberry is a great read:
Holes by Louis Sachar

The Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings are good.

The Sword of Shannara by Terry Brooks (which developed into a series of books) is my reminder of what a determined young 10 year old can accomplish.

I too had a son with vertical dyslexia (p looks like a b) that didn't get diagnosed until he was in band and refused to do a sight reading test. He had already developed a habit of asking his sister to play his sax part on her clarinet. He only had to hear it once, then he could play the piece as though he was able to read just fine. We started having our kids read a book a week during the summer. His brother and sister checked-out the smallest books they could get away with for their first assignment. Our middle boy picked-out The Sword of Shannara. We took one look at the length and agreed that he would not have to read the whole book in one week - as long as he told us the story so far each week as he read further. It took all of three months for him to finish, but he did it.

Recounting the story - even being allowed to embellish - made all of our kids love sharing their reading and it improved their skills. Even our grandkids have acquired story-telling skills with this method.

If your step-son is hesitant about reading out loud, don't push too hard, just let him 'report' to you what the story is about. (And make sure you read the book too, just to keep him honest.)

 

[bridgeburner]

Hmmm...favorite books of my childhood:

Stuart Little
Charlotte's Web
Encyclopedia Brown Series
Black Stallion Series
Old Yeller
Savage Sam (dog book)
Big Red (dog book)
Superfudge (there are others in this series)
The Little Prince
The Wind in the Willows
Mrs. Frisby and the Rats of Nimh


Some Authors:
Beverly Cleary (Henry Huggins series & others)
Judy Blume (Superfudge etc.)
Shel Silverstein (Giving Tree, Where the Sidewalk Ends more)
EB White
Fred Gipson (Old Yeller, Savage Sam and lots more)
Jim Kjelaard (Big Red and other dog books)




I loved to read collections of short stories --- especially ghost stories. You get a sense of accomplishment because you've actually completed a whole story even though you may not have finished the book yet. It's a great way to set goals. Same thing with 2 Minute Mysteries and the like.

I don't know if they still make "Choose your own Adventure" books but those were a lot of fun as well. They had different genres and you'd read up to a decision point and then be instructed to a specific page depending on what you decided to do.


As an adult I've enjoyed the Harry Potter series. I've also collected some of the Lemony Snicket series but haven't read any of them yet. I'll let you know what I think once I do. They look ghoulishly fun with titles like: A Series of Unfortunate Events, The The Bad Beginning, Reptile Room, The Miserable Mill (which all make me think of the Gashlycrumb Tinies by Edward Gorey)


And that's about enough out of me I suppose. ;-)

-B

 

[sailorm72003]

I have a 10 year old as well, and everything mentioned so far, He'd agree with; the Goosebumps series is a special favorite.

One thing you could do, is spend some time at the bookstore or library, just to see what interests him as far as subjects go, which helps make the reading process more fun.

Good luck,
Sailor

 

[sweetnpetite]

Wow, you could be talking about my son! Ten years old, held back one year, behind in reading. The only thing was my son was NOT enthusiastic. He hated to read.

I even tried to get him into Harry Potter. He was bored. That is until he saw the second movie and just could NOT wait for the next movie to find out what was going to happen. He began checking the #3 book out of the library at school and reading it avidly. The librarian knew he wouldn't finish it in time for the end of the school year, so the school bought him his own copy! Yep, Harry Potter turned my son around, just like so many other kids. (It took longer for him though) I love Harry Potter too, and there is enough to read now to keep a kid busy for a long time.


My suggestion (in addition to Harry Potter) is to find books that have a tie-in with movies or tv shows he enjoys. They may not be 'great literature' (although some are) but the idea is to foster a love of reading. Some suggestions off the top of my head:

Charlie and the Chocolate Factory (also has a sequal)
James and the Giant Peach
Disney had big books (available at the supermarket) which contain a collection of stories by topic (ie, Hero's, Princesses, Animals, ect) I bought one and I consider it to be a great investment.
Jackie Chan adventures (fun, I like these)


Not everybody knows this, but we learn best by making connections in our brains between what we already know and what we are learning, so picking a book based on something he already enjoys or somethig that is going on in his life will help him learn faster and enjoy it more.

Hello, I need some help with my 10 year old step son who has recently come to live with us! He is in 4th grade now and was held back in first. He is behind in his reading skills and I have given him the incentive he needs to improve. He is enthusiastic about trying! What I need is captivating reading material for him. We are reading aloud everyday for 30 min. I am an avid reader and I hope to make him one too. Do any of you have any reading suggestion? Tom Sawyer? Treasure Island? suggestions from early childhood instructors welcome..Thanks and kisses T

 

[ffreak]

Good job, sweetnpetite, obviously you took him to the right movie - and your school's librarian deserves a treat for keeping the motivation going with their gift to your son.

Probably the greatest thing Ms. Rowling has done for the world is to get the kids wanting to read again.

Bridgeburner's list is a good one, I would add:

Issac Asimov, writing as Paul French (juvenile SF)
Robert Heinlein - the juveniles only:
Citizen of the Galaxy
Farmers in the Sky
Have Space Suit Will Travel - probably the best
Starship Troopers - yep they made it into a movie

And I have to add: Freddy the Pig by Walter Brooks - there's a whole series of them.

-FF (reminiscing a lot of good books from childhood)

 

[bridgeburner]

Okay, now I'm getting nostalgic for stormy summer days in the South when I'd curl up in a bean-bag at the library and read for hours and hours.


-B

 

[Quasimodem]

When I went to school – and this will date me – every child learned to read. Some better than others, some faster than others, some easier than others, but every child learned to read.

The problem then – as I see it now – is that they never taught us to enjoy reading. They had a class called “Literature Appreciation” but there was nothing read in that class that I, nor any of my classmates, wished to read. It was all on “improving topics,” nothing about a subject which held our interest.

I was lucky. My father taught me the joy of reading long before I ever went near a schoolroom. He read stories to me every night, sitting on his lap, with the book before us. As he read, his finger followed along, to point out each word as he read it.

I can’t remember a time before when he did not read to me. Sometime near the end of my third year, I could read for myself. Then, we read together, first me to him, then him to me.

I never figured this out while my father was alive, but I did once my nephews reached school age.

They were taught how to read, but not the joy of reading.

My father was a first class mechanic, and a fertile inventor. Most of all, he loved to read.

It was just like him to invent a sure fire way to teach his kids to want to read, without us realizing what he was about.

I could tell you all my favourite childhood books, but that might not be of any help to you. Let me rather implore you to find out what interests your stepson. Ask a librarian what is available on those topics, at his reading level, and read it with him.

Read with him regularly, and always with enjoyment. You can not do more for him. You should not do less.

 

[ffreak]

I second the motion.

 

[Angeline]

I admire your desire to work on this. I'm a former English teacher and my grad work was in literacy studies in reading and writing; your stepson is lucky to have a loving parent who wants to help--so many kids don't have that. I've worked with kids and adults to improve reading, so here's what I think is most important.

There are many possibilities for why he is struggling, and there may be multiple reasons. I think the first step should always be to have the child checked out by his physician to rule out physical problems that might be affecting reading skills like tracking, focus. Sometimes there's a very simple answer.

If you have information from his school or any other source, any test results that may suggest something like ADD or a learning disability, I'd follow up on that. His physician may have recommendations or you can check your local university--they often have reading clinics for diagnostics and counseling if necessary.

Even if there's nothing to suggest a learning problem, look for other symptoms. If a child is struggling to read and also has trouble staying focused, can't organize himself, loses schoolpapers, forgets assignments, it could be a learning disability. Your son's age range (around 9-13) is when kids are often diagnosed because the class and homework demands begin to increase beyond what they can handle. And there's no stigma--very smart kids can have such problems and make amazing improvements with the right help.

I'd be very proactive with the school, too. It's a sad truth that the kid whose family makes the most noise gets the most help. Still I would *not* let a school district officially label my kid as a whatever without a second or even third independent opinion. These things can end up in a permanent school record and later affect scholarship eligibility or college admissions. I personally hate to think about stuff like that, but I also hate to see a kid lose out on an opportunity. Some school district types can be real jackasses in these situations and try to bully you to make it easier on them. Don't let them get away with it.

As far as what to read, comprehension is driven by ability and interest. Ideally a child should read at a level that is slightly challenging but not so hard as to be an exercise in failure. His enthusiasm is great, but you don't want him to become frustrated because the book is too far beyond his present ability. And you can't do it for him; it's wonderful to read to a child and I do that every day, too. Kids who come from families that value reading are better readers (and lucky kids). He'll improve too, though, as he builds confidence from showing you he can do it himself.

If there are subjects he loves--sports, animals, science fiction, whatever--get books or magazines (it doesn't have to be a book) about those. That will keep his interest piqued. Take him to bookstores, too, and help him discover what he likes. Read a bit first to make sure it's not too hard--he won't get every word, but if he's really stumbling through sentences it's too difficult for him.

This may be way more info than you need or want, but reading is so critical in so many way that I wanted to say it all. If I can help or answer questions, send me a pm. Good luck!

Ange

 

[bridgeburner]

Just a thought...

This is certainly none of my business, but I noticed that you mention your stepson recently came to live with you. That's a major transition for anyone, but doubly so for a child. Even in the best of circumstances it's stressful and may contribute to a lack of focus for him and difficulty tackling new challenges.

Your dedication to him and commitment to helping him discover the joy of reading will go far in helping him make this transition. I wish you both luck and success!


-B

 

[soupwarsproject]

My recommendation

You can't go wrong E.B. White. I loved his books as a child and I still do. Also, you might want to try the old "Uncle Scrooge" comics Carl Barks, as they are a surprisingly intelligent yet, simple read.

 

[sweet T]

What wonderful people we have here in Lit.

I am so pleased to see so many responses and each one a gem. I know he does not have a learning disablility, but he is the victim of family troubles. I am trying to be patient and work with him as best as possible with out coming off as the wicked step monster. He has been here only a month and it started off as just a visit, but his mom asked for him to live here for month.. I insisted that he stay for the school year, so as not to set him up for being kept back another grade. He is reading books to his 3 year old sister everyday, things she enjoys but he still comes across a few words he has to sound out. I cannot express to you all who responed so far to this thread how much your ideas mean to me... thanks again ! kisses T

 

[Jenny _S]

Sorry, but at 10 I was a sick little shit. I was doing Epictitus (essays in Stoicism), Dickens (Pickwick Papers, Bleak House) and Hawthorne (7 Gables). Still hate all those authors.

 

[BooMerengue]

I would rather read than eat! I was reading Remarque and Slaughter at 12. In my family you had to read; everyone else was, so no one had time to read it to you. And, like Quasi- Catholic schooling gave me no choice- I learned to read.

As a single parent of a very bright child I followed all the rules. I read to my kid, and when she was able to, she read to me.(at 3 she memorized Danny And The Dinosaur) She had shelves of books- so many that I finally quit fooling myself and admitted I was buying the books for me!

But you know what? My kid HATES to read! She does geometry in her head. She makes games out of the Periodic Table. And she always got A's on all her book reports etc. But I would bet you money- she never read a book in High School. She just listened carefully to discussion in class.

She can hit a ball- hard or soft- outta the park! She makes 3 point shots like Michael! She can run 3 miles w/o really working!

She got 2 degrees from Loyola U in NewOrleans, and now has 5 kids. She wants her kids to read... but she doesn't read to them often. But the 4 yr old is already on a soccer team, and the 3 yr old can hit a ball off the T across a 200 foot lawn!

Some people just don't like to read! I think thats horribly sad, but it's a fact. Give her a choice between ANY book, and a game of catch? Go get your glove!

 

[destinie21]

I'd also reccomen Bridge to Tarabithia
The Lion the witch and the wordrobe(seris)
and Tuck everlasting. I also read V.C Andrews books but looking back they may not have been entirely appropriate

 

[Just_John1]

Hello, I need some help with my 10 year old step son who has recently come to live with us! He is in 4th grade now and was held back in first. He is behind in his reading skills and I have given him the incentive he needs to improve. He is enthusiastic about trying! What I need is captivating reading material for him. We are reading aloud everyday for 30 min. I am an avid reader and I hope to make him one too. Do any of you have any reading suggestion? Tom Sawyer? Treasure Island? suggestions from early childhood instructors welcome..Thanks and kisses T

My 10 year old LOVES the old hardy boys books... Try em you'll like em.

JJ1

 

[The_Fool]

I would contribute two things. First my kids loved Mary Downing Hawn. Second, William Allen White Award books are considered to be top notch books. I have included a link to the website listing those books:

http://www.emporia.edu/libsv/wawbookaward/master.htm

 

[sweet T]

Thanks Again!

Keep the ideas coming, I need all the help I can get! I'm so proud "our Lit Village" can raise such lucky kids.

 

[jfinn]

I don't know where your stepson interests lie, but if he's like every other kid on the planet he probably loves getting mail. (Didn't we all until we got old enough to get bills?) So if you could find some kind of magazine or newspaper for anything that interests him it might be something he'd really enjoy, plus give him something to look forward to in the mail.

This is what my father did with my brother who's dyslexic hated reading as a kid. When he was ten my dad gave him a subscription to The Sporting News. Worked like a charm and thirty years later he reads a book or two a week and still keeps up that old subscription.

Jayne

 

[Sabledrake]

My daughter, almost nine, currently enjoys:

The Magic Treehouse series (kids time travel)
The Secrets of Droon series (kids visit other world)
The Dragonslayers Academy series (junior dragonslayers in training)
The Harry Potter books
The Encyclopedia Brown books
The Silver Doorway books (to toot m'own horn here <g>)
TV tie-ins such as Wishbone and Pokemon

Sabledrake