Literature for the Disinterested

Here is my theory...

Our non-readers are just readers who
have not found books to be passionate
about yet.

All of my children read at least at grade
level...finally.

I say finally, because Jonathan has real issues
that make reading difficult for him. At seventeen
he is able to read just about anything he sets his
mind to now, but it does not mean that it is easy for
him.

Because of the way his eyes track and see things,
he gets headaches when he reads. It is very hard
work.

We let him use a lot of Audio books for pleasure
"reading" with other reading required for his
school work.

Mikey does not read for pleasure...at least not
in the way I do. He would never pick up a novel
and just read it for fun...however...he reads all
the time!!!

Mikey is an avid Motorbike enthusiast and video
gamer. Another subject entirely...however, his
interest in these things has interested him in
reading absolutely everything he can get his hands
on on either subject. I do limit this when it
comes to the games, due to some
very nasty games that are often reviewed in magazines.
For this he has to get his information on specific games.
he is not allowed to read any gamer magazines because of
the broad content in them.
He knows and has been very good about it.

But when it comes to his own games he knows the game
manual inside and out.

Anyway, over the past couple of years Mikey has probably
read more than ever before in his life...because he has
found a passion.

He zipped through the Driver's Manual. I know he comprehends
what he read because he was using it against me in the
passenger's seat regularly. Tee-hee~ I'm not that bad...

Chelsea has always been an avid reader and will often
be awake late reading her favorite books. My issue with
her is getting her to try new authors. She tends to be
very loyal...lol.

If your child struggles with reading...don't
give up.
Change something.

Try a magazine or books on a different subject.
Read out loud a lot!
Take them to the Library and let them choose whatever
looks great to them.
Encourage story telling of their own.
Act out a chapter in their favorite book.
Have them tell you an alternate ending.

Once you find their reading passion they will be hooked!

Just some thoughts as I think back on how we got three
great readers.

There were some very hard times in the process. I wish
I had been braver and given up the "reader" approach
sooner. While it worked for Chelsea, it was NOT my best
option for the boys. It worked against us.

So, go for it! Make those necessary changes. Then enjoy
the results.

Teaching is about finding what works...not processing
paperwork!!!!

Love it!!!