Why do some children dread picking up a book, while others can't wait to get their hands on another one? I've seen many children "pretend" to read during silent reading time at school. If you think the teacher is to blame for that, think again. Most teachers do not have the time, the training, or the resources to customize reading selections for each student. What can you do, as a parent, to help your child?
I'd like to use my 13 year old daughter, Strawberry Girl, as an example. She happens to be an avid reader and a reluctant reader. How is this possible? Well, she loves to read realistic fiction, but will rarely seek out books within any other genre.
I think the last science fiction book she read was the wonderful, A Wrinkle in Time, by Madeleine L'Engle. That was probably 4 or 5 years ago! I guess I was so happy that Strawberry Girl was actively seeking out books on her own, that I "dropped the ball" and stopped looking for books to recommend to her. It's great that she loves realistic fiction, but I recently realized that she still needs my guidance and encouragement to look for books in genres she tends to shy away from.
By the way, I feel so blessed to have a daughter who is passionate about reading, writing, and playing a musical instrument. Strawberry Girl has a unique combination of concentration, motivation, and natural
talent in these areas that will take her far in life. She also would eat organic strawberries every day of the week, if we lived where the snow never came down!
Anyway, I was lucky enough to stumble upon the science fiction book, The Angel Experiment (Maximum Ride, Book 1), by James Patterson. It sounded suspenseful, with characters flying, and I thought she'd like the fact that the author had written adult fiction as well. Could this series renew her interest in science fiction?
Yes! Strawberry Girl loved this book, and is even using it for an English project. It's a book to movie project, and she chose Emma Watson to play the main character. When children apply books to real life in some way, that's truly meaningful learning.
My daughter has also read the next two books in the series, School's Out - Forever, and Saving the World and other Extreme Sports, and is asking for the 4th book (which unfortunately did not receive the most wonderful reviews).The fifth book is coming out on March 16th, and it's called Max.
Please keep in mind that I have not read these books yet myself, and I cannot guarantee that these books are suitable for your particular child. Each child is different, and some have fears that should steer them away from certain topics. All I know is that Strawberry Girl loved the first three books in this series, and I'm so happy that I found them for her. Hopefully, she will seek out more science fiction books in the future.
So, even avid readers can become reluctant readers without parental support. How can you help your child to develop and maintain a lifelong love of reading?
RULE 1: Read enthusiastically with your child, starting soon after he or she is born. Make it a regular activity in your home, even after your child learns to read independently. If your middle school child does not want you to read with him or her anymore, you should still make sure he or she sees you reading to yourself on a regular basis.
RULE 2: Help your child to find subjects, authors, books, and magazines he or she likes, especially during the middle school years. Visit the public library together on a regular basis. You can also use an online resource, such as James Patterson's www.readkiddoread.com, or ask a friend for suggestions. In addition, parents should monitor the books for appropriate content. If in doubt, read the book or check reviews online.
RULE 3: Always encourage your child to read what he or she likes, but try not to let your child get "stuck" in any one genre. Once a regular reading pattern is established, help your child to expand his or her reading choices by seeking out a variety of genres: historical fiction, biographies, nonfiction, realistic fiction, fantasy, and science fiction, to name a few. We learn and grow from trying out new things. Even nonfiction picture books can be fun, if you select a topic of interest.
Rule 4: Talk to your child about the books they read, and try to connect them with real life in some way. Always have them read a book before they see the related movie!
Looking for books may seem like a lot of work, but you can start with small steps. Try to visit your local library with your child once a week. You might find a great book for yourself, too! If your children see you reading, they will be more likely to want to read as well.
Comments, anyone?
