Digests from the KALEIDOSCAPES MONTHLY TOPIC
(HOMESCHOOLING) DISCUSSION BOARD
These are the original digests from Kaleidoscapes' MONTHLY TOPIC discussion boards.
They were hosted by two amazing gals: Giovanna Gomez and Cerelle Woods Simmons.
The boards are no longer available (thus, links to them won't work); you can, however, still
find many of the same wonderful folks who posted on the boards at Network 54.
Finally, there are no banners or pop-up ads throughout these digests.
Hopefully you will consider shopping through our Amazon links occasionally.
(Thanks!)
Back to the Digest Index
WHY JOHNNY WON'T READ: CHOOSING BOOKS FOR YOUR HOMESCHOOLER (Part 1)
***************************************************************************
#3: Welcome! (Cerelle)
#4: Dramatized classics (Oleta)
#5: Re: Welcome! (Kim from Sidetr)
#6: Re: Also Wishbone on PBS (Kim from Sidetr)
#7: Reading and vocabulary (Susan M)
#8: I am looking forward to answers on this! (Diane)
#9: Let children read what they like!! (Eta from sidetr)
#10: Re: Reading and vocabulary (Eta from sidetr)
#11: Re: I am looking forward to answers on this! (Irene)
#12: Books on Tape (Alison)
#14: I have a won't reader. (Laura)
#15: Re: Welcome! (Tammie)
#16: Vision Therapy (Giovanna)
#17: Re: auditory learner ? ;-) (Kim from Sidetr)
#19: Re: Vision Therapy (Laura)
#20: Re: auditory learner ? ;-) (Laura)
#21: Re: Vision Therapy (Giovanna)
#22: And Reading Rainbow! (Melanie From Si)
#23: Re: Reading and vocabulary (Sheril)
#24: I paid my boys to read !! (CIndy)
#25: Re: auditory learner ? ;-) (Annette M.)
#26: Re: auditory learner ? ;-) (Laura)
#27: Keeping Kids Reading (Liz Messick)
#28: Re: Oh - AND Between the Lions ! *NM* (Kim from Sidetr)
#29: Re: auditory learner ? ;-) (Annette M.)
#30: What I did with my voracious little reader (AKKJ)
#31: headaches & eye fatigue (julie)
#32: Re: Let children read what they like!! (michelle)
#33: Re: Books on Tape (Eta from sidetr)
#34: :-) I got to meet her... :-) (Amy A.)
#35: Re: Books on Tape (Liz Messick)
#36: Re: :-) I got to meet her... :-) (Liz Messick)
#37: Can you have too many books? (Liz Messick)
#38: Yes but I'm sure many would disagree :) (Giovanna)
#39: Re: Yes but I'm sure many would disagree :) (Liz Messick)
#40: Re: Yes but I'm sure many would disagree :) (Kim from Sidetr)
#41: Well..... (Giovanna)
#42: I have a "library", BUT..... (denise in china)
#43: Reading and isolation (Cerelle)
#44: Re: I have a won't reader. (Cerelle)
#45: Re: Can you have too many books? (Cerelle)
#46: Re: Yes but I'm sure many would disagree :) (Cerelle)
#47: Leisure and literature (Cerelle)
#48: Re: Leisure and literature (denise in china)
#49: Reading and isolation (leslie from Sid)
#50: Re: Let children read what they like!! (Cerelle)
#51: Re: Reading and vocabulary (Cerelle)
#52: Re: Leisure and literature (Cerelle)
#53: Re: I have a won't reader. (Laura)
#54: Not how to pick books, but something that worked f (K)
#55: Re:Something I've learned from music lessons that (K)
#56: Same here! :) (Cerelle)
#57: 8) LOL, works for us too... (Amy A.)
#58: Thanks for your responses! (Diane)
#59: I don't think you can have too many books! (Eta from sidetr)
#60: Re: audio books (Susan M)
#61: Depends... (annie)
#62: Don't push! Reading needs to be a joy as well as a (annie)
#65: Cerelle isn't Kidding! (Charlotte)
#66: too many books (amy)
#67: Re: Hey, I like this this plan (K)
#68: Excellent observation!!! (Laura)
#69: Great Books on TV (Oleta)
***************************************************************************
MESSAGE: (#3) Welcome!
AUTHOR: Cerelle
DATE: Thursday, 1 February 2001, at 9:51 a.m.
I often hear from homeschooling parents who love to read...and can't figure
out why their children don't love books as much as they did when they were
young.
This month we'll try to tackle this problem in depth. What makes one child an
avid reader, while another chooses other forms of entertainment? Is TV the
culprit? Are there proven strategies parents can use to romance their children
into the world of books and letters?
Is it OK to let children read "junk" fiction? Should you worry if your
daughter isn't reading anything but Nancy Drew mysteries? Or should you just
be glad she's reading at all?
Can you recommend a book or series that got your former non-reader hooked on
books?
This should be a great topic! I'm looking forward to the discussion.
Cerelle
***************************************************************************
MESSAGE: (#4) Dramatized classics
AUTHOR: Oleta
DATE: Thursday, 1 February 2001, at 10:30 a.m.
Reply To: (#3) Welcome!
Author: Cerelle
Date: Thursday, 1 February 2001, at 9:51 a.m.
Discovery Channel is airing dramatized classics the second week of this month.
This may be a way to get your child introduced to material he/she may be
avoiding. I plan to tape them so we can use them at our leisure.
Link: http://school.discovery.com/ontv/programcalendarfeb2001.html
URL:
***************************************************************************
MESSAGE: (#5) Re: Welcome!
AUTHOR: Kim from Sidetr
DATE: Thursday, 1 February 2001, at 10:43 a.m.
Reply To: (#3) Welcome!
Author: Cerelle
Date: Thursday, 1 February 2001, at 9:51 a.m.
I have 4 kids - some read early some read "late". My second dd - who is 9 1/2
now had a really hard time learning to read. She had severe hearing loss until
she was about 5 (surgery at 4) and had to pretty much learn the language
because nothing sounded like she thought it did. It took a year to learn the
alphabet and a year to learn the sounds of the letters and another year to
figure out sounding out words. Last summer I thought she would NEVER EVER
learn to read !!
***************************************************************************
MESSAGE: (#6) Re: Also Wishbone on PBS
AUTHOR: Kim from Sidetr
DATE: Thursday, 1 February 2001, at 10:45 a.m.
Reply To: (#4) Dramatized classics
Author: Oleta
Date: Thursday, 1 February 2001, at 10:30 a.m.
Okay it's a little silly but my kids really are rather well versed in classic
literature due to Wishbone. We borrowed Great Expectations audio tapes at the
library. The librarian almost fell over when she heard it was the 10 yr old's
favourite ! 8-P
***************************************************************************
MESSAGE: (#7) Reading and vocabulary
AUTHOR: Susan M
DATE: Thursday, 1 February 2001, at 11:03 a.m.
I have a social, active 8th grade boy who has never really liked to read.
Occasionally I can snare his interest with a really exciting book, but usually
he would rather play outside or watch TV or listen to music.
I know he can get an exposure to classics through televised versions and such,
but that does not really expose him to the rich vocabulary and writing style
of the books. My older son did quite well on the Verbal SAT, and I know that
is because he reads so much. My younger son has a much smaller vocabulary, due
to his lack of reading.
Any suggestions on how to improve vocabulary--as well as get him to read
more...?
Susan M
***************************************************************************
MESSAGE: (#8) I am looking forward to answers on this!
AUTHOR: Diane
DATE: Thursday, 1 February 2001, at 11:44 a.m.
Reply To: (#7) Reading and vocabulary
Author: Susan M
Date: Thursday, 1 February 2001, at 11:03 a.m.
I have a 7th grader in the same position. His two older sisters (who both
scored 700+ on the verbal SAT) both adore reading - as do his father and I.
He CAN read very well - I know, because I occasionally demand he read me a
page or two as I am reading to him. He does like it when I read to him, and I
have done so endlessly. Reading him part of a book to whet his appetite for it
doesn't work - if I stop reading it aloud he does not pick it up to find out
what is going on. He did read, in its entirety, a SCUBA manual last fall so he
could get certified - he just about memorized it.
I have read the great books put out by Mary Leonhardt - and have tried her
suggestions - but he doesn't even want to read magazines, "trash" novels or
anything!
This is driving me crazy - because I DON'T like to read aloud - I like to read
to myself. It would be so much nicer if my son would read - homeschooling
wouldn't be torture - which it seems to be lately.
***************************************************************************
MESSAGE: (#9) Let children read what they like!!
AUTHOR: Eta from sidetr
DATE: Thursday, 1 February 2001, at 1:46 p.m.
My suggestion is to find out what your child likes to read and let them just
read. Some children like mysteries, others science fiction and still others
like informational books and biographies. It isn't really important what they
read, just that they do read! (Of course as parents we have the right to veto
books for objectionable content)
One of the questions was; is it okay if my child reads nothing but Nancy Drew.
My answer is absolutely! When the child finishes the series and want something
else to read try and find another series for your child to start on. As an
adult I *LOVE* reading series. The characters become familiar, like good
friends. When I am finished I am eager to find new 'friends.' Aslo when I find
an author I like I *NEED* to read *EVERYTHING* he/she ever wrote.
Once a child has a love of reading they will become unstoppable. The classic
book that was a struggle before, will become a treasure, (eventually!)
***************************************************************************
MESSAGE: (#10) Re: Reading and vocabulary
AUTHOR: Eta from sidetr
DATE: Thursday, 1 February 2001, at 1:50 p.m.
Reply To: (#7) Reading and vocabulary
Author: Susan M
Date: Thursday, 1 February 2001, at 11:03 a.m.
Does your son like building things, computers, or something? If he does find
technical manuals on these subjects. My brothers, who never enjoyed reading
fiction, love reading these. The reading has a purpose to them, and they read
them as eagerly as I read a Sci-Fi book.
***************************************************************************
MESSAGE: (#11) Re: I am looking forward to answers on this!
AUTHOR: Irene
DATE: Thursday, 1 February 2001, at 2:29 p.m.
Reply To: (#8) I am looking forward to answers on this!
Author: Diane
Date: Thursday, 1 February 2001, at 11:44 a.m.
: It seems to me that he needs to visualize the reading material. I have the
same problem if I read to myself I am not able to get the point. But if
someone else reads the material to me I can visualize it my head and I seem to
understand it better. I have also found out the if I use a tape recorder and
record the material on tape and play it back I can visualize what they talking
about. That is the way I made it throught most of my college classes. Please
don't worry about this to much I am 37 years old and have 3 childern. And
still visualize all my reading material. Good Luck Irene
I have a 7th grader in the same position. His
: two older sisters (who both scored 700+ on
: the verbal SAT) both adore reading - as do
: his father and I.
: He CAN read very well - I know, because I
: occasionally demand he read me a page or two
: as I am reading to him. He does like it when
: I read to him, and I have done so endlessly.
: Reading him part of a book to whet his
: appetite for it doesn't work - if I stop
: reading it aloud he does not pick it up to
: find out what is going on. He did read, in
: its entirety, a SCUBA manual last fall so he
: could get certified - he just about
: memorized it.
: I have read the great books put out by Mary
: Leonhardt - and have tried her suggestions -
: but he doesn't even want to read magazines,
: "trash" novels or anything!
: This is driving me crazy - because I DON'T like
: to read aloud - I like to read to myself. It
: would be so much nicer if my son would read
: - homeschooling wouldn't be torture - which
: it seems to be lately.
***************************************************************************
MESSAGE: (#12) Books on Tape
AUTHOR: Alison
DATE: Thursday, 1 February 2001, at 2:59 p.m.
Although my youngest dd at 11 is not nearly as interested in Reading as either
I or her older sisters, she LOVES books on tape. She always has one on in the
background when she plays dolls, card games, at night in bed,etc. Sometimes
its Harry Potters, sometimes "kids authors" such as Scott ODell or Bruce
Coville, but she has also enjoyed some Classics like Adv of Huck Finn, Black
Beauty, etc. WARNING: I only get the unabridged ones, usually from the
library.
PS I would love to get Across Five Aprils - does anyone know where I might get
it on tape?
***************************************************************************
MESSAGE: (#14) I have a won't reader.
AUTHOR: Laura
DATE: Thursday, 1 February 2001, at 3:36 p.m.
I really hope to be able to gain some insite here. My won't reader is an 8yo
girl. She learned to read at the age of 4. Sort of just magically started
reading along with me. But, she hates to read. Claims it gives her a headache
and hurts her eyes. Her eyesite is fine. I have decided she is just looking
for a reason to not read and that one worked in the past. I read to her
constantly and she loves to listen to stories. She is a fantastic reader
herself. But, she tells me she doesn't like to read them herself because it
doesn't "sound" as good when she reads it. (I am a rather good oral reader.)
She does read with good expression, even on the first try. I allow her to read
any books she wishes. But, she will only read when forced for school time.
Then, if she finishes a chapter before our allotted ssr time is up, she
pitches a fit about having to read more than just that chapter. She has all
the skills for an excellent lover of books. IS there any hope that she will
ever pick up a book of her own free will and read it for the pleasure of it? I
am really beginning to doubt it.
***************************************************************************
MESSAGE: (#15) Re: Welcome!
AUTHOR: Tammie
DATE: Thursday, 1 February 2001, at 5:25 p.m.
Reply To: (#3) Welcome!
Author: Cerelle
Date: Thursday, 1 February 2001, at 9:51 a.m.
Hello, Cerelle and all. My daughter, Ashlie, is thirteen and loves to read.
She can't get enough. Her eleven-year-old brother, Toby, does not like to read
for pleasure, but he'll practically swallow a book that contains information
necessary for accomplishing a task that is important to him, such as earning a
merit badge in Boy Scouts. What concerns me (and the reason I'll be following
this month's topic closely) is that he seems to view reading as a chore in
most cases. He asks questions about all sorts of things, but if I give him a
book to read about his topic of interest, or if I suggest that he look up the
information on the internet or at the library (or even do it myself), he is
usually turned off. He's a conversational child. He's interactive. He loves to
listen to stories. He enjoys being read to. To take advantage of his
interests, I do the research myself, then strike up a conversation based on my
findings.
As I'm writing and giving this more thought, I'm realizing that it could be
more an issue of isolation than it is simply a reluctance to read. Ashlie
likes to read in her room with total privacy. She spends hours reading chapter
after chapter, book after book, much faster than I can keep up with. Toby is
the opposite. I'm wondering if reading makes him feel isolated, and perhaps
that's what he really dislikes.
Link: Tammie
URL:
***************************************************************************
MESSAGE: (#16) Vision Therapy
AUTHOR: Giovanna
DATE: Thursday, 1 February 2001, at 5:45 p.m.
Reply To: (#14) I have a won't reader.
Author: Laura
Date: Thursday, 1 February 2001, at 3:36 p.m.
: I really hope to be able to gain some insite
: here. My won't reader is an 8yo girl. She
: learned to read at the age of 4. Sort of
: just magically started reading along with
: me. But, she hates to read. Claims it gives
: her a headache and hurts her eyes. Her
: eyesite is fine.
Let me throw this out at you.
Last year I took my son to his annual eye check up. Everything checked out
fine. 20/20 vision.
BUT....
The doctor who examined him found that even though he has 20/20 vision his eye
was not focusing right---something having to do with the muscles, I can't
quite explain. It wasn't anything really bad but it was there.
My son reads quite well too. I took him to the eye doctor because he kept
telling me he was getting a headache when he read.....your daughter sounds a
lot like my son! I've used glasses since second grade as well as my husband so
we figured he needed glasses too. He doesn't need glasses but rather VISION
THERAPY to get that muscle in his eye focusing correctly.
It's possible that even though your daughter has good vision that there is a
focusing problem. Not all eye doctors can detect this, however.
There was a thread last month over at the main board that discussed this very
issue. Shirin and others had a lot to contribute to that thread and it was
very informative. Look to see if you can find those posts and see if anything
that was written there rings a bell to you.
Giovanna
***************************************************************************
MESSAGE: (#17) Re: auditory learner ? ;-)
AUTHOR: Kim from Sidetr
DATE: Thursday, 1 February 2001, at 5:51 p.m.
Reply To: (#14) I have a won't reader.
Author: Laura
Date: Thursday, 1 February 2001, at 3:36 p.m.
: Then, if she finishes a
: chapter before our allotted ssr time is up,
: she pitches a fit about having to read more
: than just that chapter.
Even she reads and comprehends and finishes before her time is up then her job
is done, right ? And she can go find productive things to do until it's time
for the next thing, right ?
As moms we tend to think - AHHH !! Time for more work :-) But the kids catch
on and think hard work = more work and *I* work enough.
Just assure her that she will ALWAYS be able to listen to you read to her -
even until she leaves home !! (even though it stretches the truth a little) My
reluctant 9yo was very worried I wouldn't read to her anymore.
Even though we want to - we can't teach LOVE of anything. We can hope for and
we set an example for but we can't guarantee that they will LOVE things that
we do. Which is really lousy !!
***************************************************************************
MESSAGE: (#19) Re: Vision Therapy
AUTHOR: Laura
DATE: Thursday, 1 February 2001, at 8:58 p.m.
Reply To: (#16) Vision Therapy
Author: Giovanna
Date: Thursday, 1 February 2001, at 5:45 p.m.
We have tried vision therapy with her (based on recommendations from the other
board). After 2 mths of therapy, there was very little difference. We have
taken her to the best ped. opth. in this area. Asked point blank about looking
for this type of difficulty. He can find nothing.
Let me throw this out at you.
: Last year I took my son to his annual eye check
: up. Everything checked out fine. 20/20
: vision.
: BUT....
: The doctor who examined him found that even
: though he has 20/20 vision his eye was not
: focusing right---something having to do with
: the muscles, I can't quite explain. It
: wasn't anything really bad but it was there.
: My son reads quite well too. I took him to the
: eye doctor because he kept telling me he was
: getting a headache when he read.....your
: daughter sounds a lot like my son! I've used
: glasses since second grade as well as my
: husband so we figured he needed glasses too.
: He doesn't need glasses but rather VISION
: THERAPY to get that muscle in his eye
: focusing correctly.
: It's possible that even though your daughter
: has good vision that there is a focusing
: problem. Not all eye doctors can detect
: this, however.
: There was a thread last month over at the main
: board that discussed this very issue. Shirin
: and others had a lot to contribute to that
: thread and it was very informative. Look to
: see if you can find those posts and see if
: anything that was written there rings a bell
: to you.
: Giovanna
***************************************************************************
MESSAGE: (#20) Re: auditory learner ? ;-)
AUTHOR: Laura
DATE: Thursday, 1 February 2001, at 9:09 p.m.
Reply To: (#17) Re: auditory learner ? ;-)
Author: Kim from Sidetr
Date: Thursday, 1 February 2001, at 5:51 p.m.
:
Even she reads and comprehends and finishes
: before her time is up then her job is done,
: right ? And she can go find productive
: things to do until it's time for the next
: thing, right ?
But, the thing is we are supposed to sit and all read quietly for X amount of
time. I usually just ask for 15-20 minutes. I am also reading during this
time. Even my 3 yo sits and looks at the pictures in his own book. He usually
is excused after 15 minutes if he would like. The assignment isn't to read one
chapter. This is a hangover from her ps last year when the teacher would
assign her to read one chapter. Guess I ought to just assign a length for her
and then let her go. She'll scream when I expect three chapters from an easy
book with chapters she can finish in 5 minutes.
: As moms we tend to think - AHHH !! Time for
: more work :-) But the kids catch on and
: think hard work = more work and *I* work
: enough.
: Just assure her that she will ALWAYS be able to
: listen to you read to her - even until she
: leaves home !! (even though it stretches the
: truth a little) My reluctant 9yo was very
: worried I wouldn't read to her anymore.
: Even though we want to - we can't teach LOVE of
: anything. We can hope for and we set an
: example for but we can't guarantee that they
: will LOVE things that we do. Which is really
: lousy !!
I think this is the main thing I have to get ahold of. She is not a reader.
She quite probably never will be. I should just be thankful that it came easy
for her and she can read and comprehend without much difficulty. I wouldn't be
disappointed if she didn't share my love of a particular sport. Why is reading
any different? Truth is, she is like her dad in this area. He hates to read.
Loves books on tape though. He is possibly one of the best read men around due
to all the books on tape he listens to while driving for work (traveling
sales). I know he definantly has "read" more adult books than I have in the
past 8 years!!! Guess I will jsut keep reading to her. (If it weren't for
these vocal nodules, I wouldn't have a problem with it. She doesn't like books
on tape. They don't read as well as mom!!!)
***************************************************************************
MESSAGE: (#21) Re: Vision Therapy
AUTHOR: Giovanna
DATE: Thursday, 1 February 2001, at 9:48 p.m.
Reply To: (#19) Re: Vision Therapy
Author: Laura
Date: Thursday, 1 February 2001, at 8:58 p.m.
: We have tried vision therapy with her (based on
: recommendations from the other board). After
: 2 mths of therapy, there was very little
: difference. We have taken her to the best
: ped. opth. in this area. Asked point blank
: about looking for this type of difficulty.
: He can find nothing.
I'm glad you checked into this. This way you won't have a doubt in your mind.
When the doctor told me my son had a focusing problem I felt rather guilty
because all the time I kept thinking he was just being "lazy."
Giovanna
***************************************************************************
MESSAGE: (#22) And Reading Rainbow!
AUTHOR: Melanie From Si
DATE: Thursday, 1 February 2001, at 11:33 p.m.
Reply To: (#6) Re: Also Wishbone on PBS
Author: Kim from Sidetr
Date: Thursday, 1 February 2001, at 10:45 a.m.
That has sparked interest in books here.
***************************************************************************
MESSAGE: (#23) Re: Reading and vocabulary
AUTHOR: Sheril
DATE: Thursday, 1 February 2001, at 11:36 p.m.
Reply To: (#7) Reading and vocabulary
Author: Susan M
Date: Thursday, 1 February 2001, at 11:03 a.m.
On the other hand, I have an 8th grade girl who reads like crazy but her
vocabulary retention isn't great. She is a poor speller also.
: I have a social, active 8th grade boy who has
: never really liked to read. Occasionally I
: can snare his interest with a really
: exciting book, but usually he would rather
: play outside or watch TV or listen to music.
: I know he can get an exposure to classics
: through televised versions and such, but
: that does not really expose him to the rich
: vocabulary and writing style of the books.
: My older son did quite well on the Verbal
: SAT, and I know that is because he reads so
: much. My younger son has a much smaller
: vocabulary, due to his lack of reading.
: Any suggestions on how to improve
: vocabulary--as well as get him to read
: more...?
: Susan M
***************************************************************************
MESSAGE: (#24) I paid my boys to read !!
AUTHOR: CIndy
DATE: Thursday, 1 February 2001, at 11:37 p.m.
Reply To: (#8) I am looking forward to answers on this!
Author: Diane
Date: Thursday, 1 February 2001, at 11:44 a.m.
When my boys were in 3rd and 5th grade, I could not get them to read anything
but absolutely what was required for school, so I made a deal to pay them for
reading. I know it is bad !! But I paid them $20.00 for every thousand pages
they read. It could be anything. SInce they did not get an allowance, it was a
huge amount of money, and they wanted it. So slowly but surely, they started
reading.(we started with Goosebumps) Now I can't say it had a totaly lasting
effect,but I have one "Ilove to read" and one that reads when required, but it
worked at the time. Cindy in Mo. PS Later I required one hour of reading per
day as school, and then they could read as late as they want at night before
sleeping. Both worked.
***************************************************************************
MESSAGE: (#25) Re: auditory learner ? ;-)
AUTHOR: Annette M.
DATE: Friday, 2 February 2001, at 12:35 a.m.
Reply To: (#20) Re: auditory learner ? ;-)
Author: Laura
Date: Thursday, 1 February 2001, at 9:09 p.m.
: But, the thing is we are supposed to sit and
: all read quietly for X amount of time.
Well, who says that you all are suppossed to do that? If she really isn't
enjoying it then what is the point? The more you force the more she will not
want to do it. Let her draw quietly or work on crossword puzzles, or word
search puzzles. Let her create and design a game. Or write a story and
illustrate it....with a promise to have it bound when it is completed. There
is lot of reading included in all of those activities. If she is functional in
reading then leave it at that and keep reading to her. You are creating some
really wonderful memories for her with your read a loud time.
***************************************************************************
MESSAGE: (#26) Re: auditory learner ? ;-)
AUTHOR: Laura
DATE: Friday, 2 February 2001, at 9:04 a.m.
Reply To: (#25) Re: auditory learner ? ;-)
Author: Annette M.
Date: Friday, 2 February 2001, at 12:35 a.m.
:I guess that you have hit on what really worries me. She abhors anything to
do with written language. She despizes writing and word puzzles. She does sit
and draw for long periods. (Not involving any written language.) I really do
not know how she manages to be up to grade level with her reading. Her writing
ability and spelling are definantly not. On her behalf, I must say that she
does have many signs pointing to dyslexia. (About the only thing that doesn't
is that she reads easily and well!) I think her intelligence is high enough
that she is able to compensate for it in her reading. But, it is a strain on
her that makes it unpleasant.
Well, who says that you all are suppossed to do
: that? If she really isn't enjoying it then
: what is the point? The more you force the
: more she will not want to do it. Let her
: draw quietly or work on crossword puzzles,
: or word search puzzles. Let her create and
: design a game. Or write a story and
: illustrate it....with a promise to have it
: bound when it is completed. There is lot of
: reading included in all of those activities.
: If she is functional in reading then leave
: it at that and keep reading to her. You are
: creating some really wonderful memories for
: her with your read a loud time.
***************************************************************************
MESSAGE: (#27) Keeping Kids Reading
AUTHOR: Liz Messick
DATE: Friday, 2 February 2001, at 9:26 a.m.
Is anybody else familiar with Mary Leonhardt? Her books include:
Parents Who Love to Read, Kids Who Don't
Keeping Kids Reading
99 Ways to Help Kids Love Reading (or something like that?)
They have been a great help to me. And she herself is so accommodating - her
email address is on her website, and she really does answer questions! Several
years ago, I corresponded with her for awhile about my then-11yo son, who was
no longer reading as avidly as he had when younger. She pointed me toward
several authors and ideas that really made a difference with him.
Keeping Kids Reading website:
http://www.tiac.net/users/maryl/
Link: Keeping Kids Reading
URL:
***************************************************************************
MESSAGE: (#28) Re: Oh - AND Between the Lions ! *NM*
AUTHOR: Kim from Sidetr
DATE: Friday, 2 February 2001, at 9:51 a.m.
Reply To: (#22) And Reading Rainbow!
Author: Melanie From Si
Date: Thursday, 1 February 2001, at 11:33 p.m.
***************************************************************************
MESSAGE: (#29) Re: auditory learner ? ;-)
AUTHOR: Annette M.
DATE: Friday, 2 February 2001, at 10:15 a.m.
Reply To: (#26) Re: auditory learner ? ;-)
Author: Laura
Date: Friday, 2 February 2001, at 9:04 a.m.
:Laura, My 8yo dd is diagnosed dyslexic. Many, as in most, dyslexic people are
highly intelligent and will find coping mechanisms to get them through...so to
speak. If your dd was reading at 4 yo I doubt she is dyslexic
though....dyslexia defined means trouble with words. She may just be a
different type of learner than you are used to seeing. I would encouarage you
to read Thomas Armstrong's book *In Their Own Way* which talks about multiple
intelligences. He also has a book strictly on mulitiple intelligences called
*Mulitiple Intelligences in the Classroom* but those ideas can be tailored for
anywhere. It makes sense that if your dh isn't a linguistic learner than some
of your children probably won't be either. I just keep thinking that I wish I
was in your shoes.....my 8 yo struggles sooooooo much with the act and
mechanics of reading, she is still virutally a non-reader, because she
can't....not because she doesn't like it. Since your dd does in deed know
*how* to read I would back off and let her be during your daily reading time.
Just keep reading to her so that she is still getting the information and
exposure to good literature and kind of let her find her way a bit.
***************************************************************************
MESSAGE: (#30) What I did with my voracious little reader
AUTHOR: AKKJ
DATE: Friday, 2 February 2001, at 10:58 a.m.
My daughter is a visual-spatial learner who was reading by age 2 and a half.
This is what I did with her. I brought a book with me to read to her in the
hospital when I gave birth to her, but, alas, I was too 'on Mars' to do so. I
love to read and couldn't wait to read to her and share that joy. I started
reading to her regularly when she was 3 weeks old. I read to her as much as
she wanted, often reading the same book several times a day. She loved
flashcards of all kinds, particularly the kind I made for her out of old
greeting cards. I put them in bags, boxes, and coffee cans and she would hunt
them down as soon as she learned to crawl. She would pick one card out at a
time. I also left bags and boxes of little books all over the house for her to
discover and read. And I never forbid her from rummaging through our books
too. All children are different, but I think the moral of my story is to try
to instill a passion for reading from the earliest possible age. Never push
the issue! That's an instant passion-killer in any situation. Fear in mind
that a child is hotwired for language during the first three years of life. If
you can nurture the passion for reading during that time, he will have a much
easier time later. Of course, this advice comes too late for older kids who
won't read. But, for your new babies and toddlers, you might find it helpful.
***************************************************************************
MESSAGE: (#31) headaches & eye fatigue
AUTHOR: julie
DATE: Friday, 2 February 2001, at 5:44 p.m.
Reply To: (#14) I have a won't reader.
Author: Laura
Date: Thursday, 1 February 2001, at 3:36 p.m.
Claims it gives
: her a headache and hurts her eyes. Her
: eyesite is fine. My 12 yob was the same way about 2 years ago when he was in
public school. The other day I caught myself telling him to "Put that book
down!". I stopped myself and thought WHAT AM I DOING?!?!?! He also complained
of headaches and eye fatigue. He hated reading with a passion. Now he only
reads in natural light-no florescent (sp?). He has found a favorite
author-Gary Paulson, and you just can't stop the boy! The natural light has
made all the difference. My 8 yo really is enjoying the "Jigsaw Jones Mystery
Series". Of course, he would read anything to me...hates reading silently on
his own. HTH... Julie
***************************************************************************
MESSAGE: (#32) Re: Let children read what they like!!
AUTHOR: michelle
DATE: Friday, 2 February 2001, at 7:17 p.m.
Reply To: (#9) Let children read what they like!!
Author: Eta from sidetr
Date: Thursday, 1 February 2001, at 1:46 p.m.
This is great advice. When I was training teachers and telling moms how to
instill a love of reading I would ask them how they would feel about reading
if every time they went to the library, the librarian would hand them a book
and tell them they had to read that because that is the book all the 30 year
olds have to read this week. I tell people that if they want to use a reading
series to teach a child to read, fine, but once they can read to just take
them to the library EVERY week and let the child choose (within family
parameters). Several people in our support group have tried it and now their
kids like reading. I also suggest reading to your child every day. My son can
read everything put in front of him, but still begs me to read to him each
night. It is a great way to introduce new authors or subects.
***************************************************************************
MESSAGE: (#33) Re: Books on Tape
AUTHOR: Eta from sidetr
DATE: Friday, 2 February 2001, at 7:28 p.m.
Reply To: (#12) Books on Tape
Author: Alison
Date: Thursday, 1 February 2001, at 2:59 p.m.
I gave my four year old a cheap tape recorder, bought several picture books
and tapes, and now when I can't read to him(my son would love to be read to
all day) he pops on a tape, picks up a book and listens to a story. He enjoys
this almost as much as watching TV and is allowed to much more often.
***************************************************************************
MESSAGE: (#34) :-) I got to meet her... :-)
AUTHOR: Amy A.
DATE: Saturday, 3 February 2001, at 12:15 a.m.
Reply To: (#27) Keeping Kids Reading
Author: Liz Messick
Date: Friday, 2 February 2001, at 9:26 a.m.
when my HS group invited her to come and speak. Although she's actually a PS
teacher, she was very interested in us and what our kids were reading. She was
pretty surprised at the number of HS kids reading far above "grade level", and
was quite pleasant and helpful. 8)
***************************************************************************
MESSAGE: (#35) Re: Books on Tape
AUTHOR: Liz Messick
DATE: Saturday, 3 February 2001, at 1:14 a.m.
Reply To: (#12) Books on Tape
Author: Alison
Date: Thursday, 1 February 2001, at 2:59 p.m.
My older daughter listens to audiobooks voraciously! She amazes me in that she
can listen to a story, comprehend and retain its details, and do a math lesson
(correctly!) at the same time!!
She has an ongoing debate with her older brother and her best friend regarding
whether what she does is "reading" or not. (She says, "Yes, absolutely," and
they say not, of course.)
We borrow from the library and through inter-library loan constantly, and we
also rent from Books on Tape.
Favorite readers, anyone? One of ours is Barbara Rosenblat. She does voices so
very well.
Liz Messick
***************************************************************************
MESSAGE: (#36) Re: :-) I got to meet her... :-)
AUTHOR: Liz Messick
DATE: Saturday, 3 February 2001, at 1:22 a.m.
Reply To: (#34) :-) I got to meet her... :-)
Author: Amy A.
Date: Saturday, 3 February 2001, at 12:15 a.m.
Oh, wow! That must have been wonderful!
Yes, I remember from our email conversations that she was very interested in
homeschooling, and very respectful of my homeschooling relationship with my
son. Wouldn't I love to have her as my child's English teacher!
Another well-known author of a book about reading who has inspired me is Jim
Trelease, author of The Read-Aloud Handbook. I did hear him speak several
years ago, and that was a real treat!
Liz Messick
***************************************************************************
MESSAGE: (#37) Can you have too many books?
AUTHOR: Liz Messick
DATE: Saturday, 3 February 2001, at 9:40 a.m.
Okay, here's a question for all you book-lovers out there -
Can you have too many books in the house?
Unlike my childhood experience of having few books of my own, my own kids have
personal libraries numbering in the hundreds. But I was a voracious reader,
and although each of them is a "reader" (in varying degrees), none of them is
anywhere near as passionate about books as I was.
Too many books? What do you think?
Liz Messick
***************************************************************************
MESSAGE: (#38) Yes but I'm sure many would disagree :)
AUTHOR: Giovanna
DATE: Saturday, 3 February 2001, at 9:50 a.m.
Reply To: (#37) Can you have too many books?
Author: Liz Messick
Date: Saturday, 3 February 2001, at 9:40 a.m.
: Okay, here's a question for all you book-lovers
: out there -
: Can you have too many books in the house?
Yes.
I long for a room that I can call a LIBRARY. Maybe one day I'll have it. For
right now though our house couldn't support another bookshelf so I have to be
very picky about choosing what we will keep. There are only so many books one
can read at one time and there is no point to having a bookshelf full of books
that are just there for "looks"......collecting dust.
We are blessed to have such a well-stocked public library. Many times, all I
have to do is borrow the book from them which also saves us $.
The criteria we have for keeping books is a rather obscure one. There is no
certain rule we follow but we do have certain "guidelines." We keep certain
books for sentimental reasons. There are books I would love to pass down to my
grandchildren. My children's favorite first books are part of that collection
so I plan to keep our board book copy of GOODNIGHT MOON. :) There are other
books that we have that are old and rare. Those are definitely keepers. There
are several reference books that we will always have.
Books like "The Muppets Learn the ABC's" though will be given away to others
to enjoy.
Giovanna
***************************************************************************
MESSAGE: (#39) Re: Yes but I'm sure many would disagree :)
AUTHOR: Liz Messick
DATE: Saturday, 3 February 2001, at 10:03 a.m.
Reply To: (#38) Yes but I'm sure many would disagree :)
Author: Giovanna
Date: Saturday, 3 February 2001, at 9:50 a.m.
:
: there is no point to having a bookshelf full
: of books that are just there for
: "looks"......collecting dust.
But what if they aren't there just for "looks" - what if books are truly your
joy and delight?
What if you have shelves of out-of-print library discards, wonderful old books
like Childhood of Famous Americans, and Landmark histories, excellent old
authors that the libraries are throwing out and you wouldn't just be able to
go and check out?
If you had the space (I do have lots of space), would you keep more? And do
you think it makes a difference in a kid AS A READER to have "books coming out
his ears"? For better or for worse?
Does "absence make the heart grow fonder"? In other words, does not having a
bunch of books make a kid more determined to read? And, conversely, does
having "too many" books make them become just part of the landscape?
Liz
***************************************************************************
MESSAGE: (#40) Re: Yes but I'm sure many would disagree :)
AUTHOR: Kim from Sidetr
DATE: Saturday, 3 February 2001, at 10:20 a.m.
Reply To: (#38) Yes but I'm sure many would disagree :)
Author: Giovanna
Date: Saturday, 3 February 2001, at 9:50 a.m.
: Yes.
During my last big declutter I had to get rid of books... GULP !! I knew I had
a book problem when they had taken over kitchen cupboards, hall (towel) closet
AND two tall bookshelves AND my dh built us a 5 ft tall X 7(?) ft wide AND my
grandma sent us books for Christmas AND my uncle send the kids a box of books
for Christmas... AND there was NOWHERE To put them so they were still in boxes
in front of the shelf.
I had visions of becoming one of those people with only a PATH through the
centre of their house ! 8-O
***************************************************************************
MESSAGE: (#41) Well.....
AUTHOR: Giovanna
DATE: Saturday, 3 February 2001, at 10:24 a.m.
Reply To: (#39) Re: Yes but I'm sure many would disagree :)
Author: Liz Messick
Date: Saturday, 3 February 2001, at 10:03 a.m.
: What if you have shelves of out-of-print
: library discards, wonderful old books like
: Childhood of Famous Americans, and Landmark
: histories, excellent old authors that the
: libraries are throwing out and you wouldn't
: just be able to go and check out?
Well, those I would definitely keep.
: If you had the space (I do have lots of space),
: would you keep more?
If I had the space I would definitely have more books. Remember, I'm the one
that would love to have a room just to call a library. I've even imagined how
I would decorate it and all! I just would be really picky about which ones I
keep. But that's just me. I'm on the opposite spectrum of the pack rats.
WAAAAYYYY opposite!
: Does "absence make the heart grow
: fonder"? In other words, does not
: having a bunch of books make a kid more
: determined to read? And, conversely, does
: having "too many" books make them
: become just part of the landscape?
That's the question of the day.
My husband despises to read. His idea of reading is skimming through the
latest computer magazine and SKIMMING wouldn't even do it justice. The man,
however, is brilliant so I don't know. I'm proud of him though..... he has
been very agreable to reading aloud to the kids. He reads them the Sonlight
books. I would have thought that reading these wonderful books would entice
him to read more for pleasure, for himself. But it hasn't.
What does everyone else think?
Giovanna
***************************************************************************
MESSAGE: (#42) I have a "library", BUT.....
AUTHOR: denise in china
DATE: Saturday, 3 February 2001, at 1:27 p.m.
Reply To: (#39) Re: Yes but I'm sure many would disagree :)
Author: Liz Messick
Date: Saturday, 3 February 2001, at 10:03 a.m.
We own a home in the states and we actually have a room called the library.
When we lived state side full time I collected children's book and have a good
supply of Landmarks and reference books etc. But when we came to China I could
only bring so many. I will never forget the first year we were here. We could
only bring basic text books in our suitcases and had to wait for a shipment
with our "fun" books. They arrived two months after we did. The kids literally
put all the books on our double bed and looked and read through some for three
hours the day they arrived. They were treated as old friends!! Every time I go
back to the states I bring back more books as we have NO access to an English
library. I have quite a few books here now and if we ever had to leave here in
a hurry I don't know how we would get the books all back. It is interesting
that the more books my kids have available the less they appreciate them. Many
English speakers come and borrow the books, so they certainly get read, but my
kids take them for granted now I think. I always give books as gifts when ever
possible. They are still a luxury here. And my kids do love to have a good new
book.
On a little different note: We have a book store in Beijing called the
Foreigner Language book store that carries English classic books. It is
amazing how many people I see here actually reading The Three Musketeers or
Little Women etc. I see these books with people at many resturants or tea
houses. When I am in the states, I only notice people reading magazines or the
latest bestseller. It seems that the classics are a "school" type of book and
once you are out of school you don't read them anymore. But here most people
will read whatever they can find, so the young Chinese students are better
read in the "classics" then many US students. I find that very interesting.
They can't get enough of English literature. Everytime I am in this store,
someone will ask my recommendations for what to read next and they often have
read more than I have!!
So to make a long post longer... I think a little less availablitiy does make
the heart grow fonder. Denise
***************************************************************************
MESSAGE: (#43) Reading and isolation
AUTHOR: Cerelle
DATE: Sunday, 4 February 2001, at 12:40 a.m.
Reply To: (#15) Re: Welcome!
Author: Tammie
Date: Thursday, 1 February 2001, at 5:25 p.m.
Tammie,
Interesting observation about the "isolation factor"! I have to wonder if
reading doesn't appeal to some of us for that very reason. I grew up as an
only child, and books were my comfort and my companions. I never minded being
alone (and still don't), as long as I had a book in my hands.
It makes perfect sense to me that some children might prefer a different kind
of experience. I remember reading a letter written by Penny Barker, years ago,
in Growing Without Schooling. She said she thought books were "overrated"
(this was a very shocking statement to me at the time!) and that there were
many other, perfectly valid ways to learn. One of her children was definitely
not a "book person," but she was just as successful, in her own way, as the
others.
Until I read her letter, I'd always assumed that reading was the be-all and
end-all of all education! Penny showed me the other side -- that a love of
books and reading is not *essential* to a productive, happy, and thoughtful
life.
Cerelle
***************************************************************************
MESSAGE: (#44) Re: I have a won't reader.
AUTHOR: Cerelle
DATE: Sunday, 4 February 2001, at 12:59 a.m.
Reply To: (#14) I have a won't reader.
Author: Laura
Date: Thursday, 1 February 2001, at 3:36 p.m.
Hi, Laura! After reading your post and all the responses, I wonder if this
might be something that will just pass with time. I've run across many young
children who love the experience of being read to so much that they're
reluctant to read to themselves. I'm willing to bet that in another few years,
your daughter will be devouring books on her own...UNLESS it becomes a big
issue between the two of you, in which case she may hold out a little longer.
;-)
If there's anything I've learned during 15 years of homeschooling, it's that
things change. The same child who hated to write at age 7 may write essays for
the fun of it at age 12. The kid who refused to read anything other than
Calvin and Hobbes comics in his younger days might end up reading Shakespeare
(for pleasure!) in his teens. I've learned to be a past-master at the
wait-and-see approach.
I'm not saying a parent shouldn't exhaust every avenue to make sure there's
not a physical problem at work (like checking out possible vision issues), but
I AM saying that kids will surprise you at every turn. Just when you're
convinced that all is lost, they'll suddenly start reading Aristotle, for
goodness' sake, and discussing Voltaire at the dinner table! :)
Your daughter is so young. My advice is to give her a little time (and plenty
of room) and keep reading aloud for as long as she'll let you. Meanwhile, keep
your eyes open for areas of exclusive interest that you don't share! You
probably won't feel like reading a whole book on dog care aloud, but she just
may be willing to take it up on her own...
Cerelle
***************************************************************************
MESSAGE: (#45) Re: Can you have too many books?
AUTHOR: Cerelle
DATE: Sunday, 4 February 2001, at 1:25 a.m.
Reply To: (#37) Can you have too many books?
Author: Liz Messick
Date: Saturday, 3 February 2001, at 9:40 a.m.
You know, Liz, I've asked myself this same question many times over the years.
If you really need a specific book, it's nice to have a huge library at hand
(either in your own house or within driving distance). But I've noticed that
if I'm just browsing around for something good to read, the smaller the
collection, the more likely it is that I'll be satisfied with what's on hand.
Paradoxical but true! I wonder if it works the same way with kids.
And I've often likened the book situation in our house to those poor little
rich children who have so many toys, they're not really appreciative of any of
them. I always think of the pioneer children who had one treasured cornhusk
doll, you know? I've sometimes wondered if the "book glut" around here has
made our kids take all this printed matter for granted. At least, these are
the thoughts that have run through my head whenever one of my children has
said, "There's nothing to read in this house!" (I mean, PLEASE! Every wall is
leaning under the weight of all these bookcases!)
What do you think?
Cerelle
***************************************************************************
MESSAGE: (#46) Re: Yes but I'm sure many would disagree :)
AUTHOR: Cerelle
DATE: Sunday, 4 February 2001, at 1:38 a.m.
Reply To: (#39) Re: Yes but I'm sure many would disagree :)
Author: Liz Messick
Date: Saturday, 3 February 2001, at 10:03 a.m.
: Does "absence make the heart grow
: fonder"? In other words, does not
: having a bunch of books make a kid more
: determined to read? And, conversely, does
: having "too many" books make them
: become just part of the landscape?
Just part of the landscape -- that's a good way to describe it, I think! But
then again, I grew up in a house stuffed with books, and I can remember lying
around on the floor and gazing at the spines of books I never particularly
wanted to read (The Brothers Karamozov springs to mind). And yet, those titles
somehow became oddly familiar and special to me, even if I never got around to
reading them. It sort of reminds me of E. D. Hirsch and the whole "cultural
literacy" argument that glancing familiarity counts for something. I never did
get all the way through The Brother Karamozov (although at least one of my
children has), but even so, the book seems to be woven into my life
experience, somehow. Strange.
Exposure is a good thing, I think, and by turning our homes into small
libraries, we at least give our children the opportunity to avail themselves
of the thoughts and ideas contained in all those volumes. Whether or not they
take advantage of it is another matter entirely.
OK, I think I've just talked myself into feeling good about all bookcases in
every room of our house. :)
Cerelle
***************************************************************************
MESSAGE: (#47) Leisure and literature
AUTHOR: Cerelle
DATE: Sunday, 4 February 2001, at 1:52 a.m.
Reply To: (#42) I have a "library", BUT.....
Author: denise in china
Date: Saturday, 3 February 2001, at 1:27 p.m.
: It seems that the
: classics are a "school" type of
: book and once you are out of school you
: don't read them anymore. But here most
: people will read whatever they can find, so
: the young Chinese students are better read
: in the "classics" then many US
: students. I find that very interesting.
I find it FASCINATING! Maybe we should be asking ourselves what it is about
these people's lives and education that has not only made them avid readers,
but able and willing to read books written in a foreign language! WOW.
When my mother retired from teaching, she spent her first year of leisure
re-reading the classics. She had so much fun! But I think the keyword there
might be "leisure." We modern Americans often read on the run, you know? With
a few notable exceptions, it seems to me that contemporary writers are
encouraged to cut to the chase, whereas the classics abound with lengthy
descriptive passages exploring setting and character. Even the average length
of sentences shortened considerably in 20th century literature.
Tell us more, Denise. I'm really curious about this connection between leisure
and reading and fast-paced lifestyles. Do you have any insights?
Cerelle
***************************************************************************
MESSAGE: (#48) Re: Leisure and literature
AUTHOR: denise in china
DATE: Sunday, 4 February 2001, at 6:48 a.m.
Reply To: (#47) Leisure and literature
Author: Cerelle
Date: Sunday, 4 February 2001, at 1:52 a.m.
Well learning English is a highly valued skill here. It is considered the
business language of the world, or at least it is leaning that way. And they
feel learning business is the key to success. So how do they improve their
English? Only in Beijing are there "lots" of English speakers and we are still
greatly out numbered. Everyone seems to be looking for an English speaker to
help the students learn pronunciation. So with the lack of English speakers
the students turn to books to increase their vocabulary. China does limit
access to what is available to read, but they do have many classics. They seem
to be not as controvsial as other things. We get edited Time magazines at the
big hotels and we can not totally access the Net. There are many sites I can
not go to that China has blocked. They block CNN on the net, even though it is
one of the few English TV channels available. So they read the classics as
there is not much else available. Is this a reason to "limit" what is
available to our kids?? You tend to want what you can not have.
I am a big believer in reading out loud to my kids. I highly value the books
we own. But as our life has gotten more fast paced in the last five years, it
seems we read less.
When we first came to China, there was no Internet here, there was no English
TV, not even access to the big hotels and their edited newspapers. We had
conversation and reading to entertain us. We would reread our favorites just
to have something to read.
I agree that our modern books are urged to get to the chase and often they
give us an "easy read". I find myself wanting to have an easy read available
as I will read on the run and a classic is hard to pick up and put down often.
But I enjoy a well written more descriptive book so much better when I take
the time to sit down and read.
I am having our sixth baby in April and I am looking forward to my nursing
time as I get lots of books read that I have been putting off. It is my
"forced" time to sit, cuddle and read. It is one of the benefits of babies!!
So I do think our fast pace of life does affect our reading style and the
amount we read. We have a hard time just sitting down to read. Why is it hard
to justify sitting down to read and not hard to sit and watch TV? Are we
getting too lazy to read? Maybe it isn't as stimulating as video games etc.
Yes life style does makes a huge difference.
Denise
***************************************************************************
MESSAGE: (#49) Reading and isolation
AUTHOR: leslie from Sid
DATE: Sunday, 4 February 2001, at 8:20 a.m.
Reply To: (#15) Re: Welcome!
Author: Tammie
Date: Thursday, 1 February 2001, at 5:25 p.m.
You may have hit on something here. My dd has always been a reader, and also
content to be alone. She seldom shares her reading with us, unless we ask her
about it. Ds, on the other hand, would never read anything other than computer
books and magazines if he had the choice. He prefers being around other people
and interacting with them at all times. He does share his reading with us,
many times more than I want. I find that the longer I'm available to listen to
his "play by play", the longer he'll keep reading.
***************************************************************************
MESSAGE: (#50) Re: Let children read what they like!!
AUTHOR: Cerelle
DATE: Sunday, 4 February 2001, at 10:00 a.m.
Reply To: (#9) Let children read what they like!!
Author: Eta from sidetr
Date: Thursday, 1 February 2001, at 1:46 p.m.
I couldn't agree with you more, Eta! When I worked at our library, I'd hear
moms complaining because their kids were reading a lot of "junk fiction" --
and these moms didn't seem to realize how wonderful it was that their kids
were eagerly checking out (and voraciously reading) stacks and stacks of
books.
Sure, everyone WISHES the children would gobble up Dickens and Twain at age 8
(and I suppose a few do, after all), but the reality for most of us is that
our children are often drawn to literature we find appalling. LOL! I always
want to tell parents, "Hey, don't sweat it. Just be glad they're reading at
all! Those 'potato chip' books will surely lead to a good healthy meal of
high-quality literature someday."
Cerelle
***************************************************************************
MESSAGE: (#51) Re: Reading and vocabulary
AUTHOR: Cerelle
DATE: Sunday, 4 February 2001, at 10:31 a.m.
Reply To: (#7) Reading and vocabulary
Author: Susan M
Date: Thursday, 1 February 2001, at 11:03 a.m.
Hi, Susan!
It's true that the kids who walk around with their noses in books all the time
seem to pick up an impressive vocabulary by osmosis. But let's not forget that
English is also a SPOKEN language. I still learn new words from my own
parents, believe it or not, through casual conversation. I can't count the
number of times I've hung up the phone after talking to my mother and then run
straight to the dictionary! Ha!
I believe vocabulary is one of those things that keeps growing as long as we
live. (Well, at least until our brain cells start dying off and we begin to
forget words . . . sigh . . . I think that's already started happening to me.)
I've never shrunk from using "big" words in conversation with my kids. How
else are they going to learn them? From reading, yes, but they won't hear the
correct pronunciation that way. I guess that's one advantage of listening to
books on tape, come to think of it.
For that matter, conversation is an important vector to consider when it comes
to sharing our love for certain books and getting kids interested in reading
them. My husband has been telling our son about Dana's Two Years Before the
Mast for about a month now. Don't misunderstand -- he hasn't insisted that
Hunter read it -- but he's been lobbying for it in a relaxed but persistent
fashion. Ha! He's related certain scenes at the dinner table, mentioned it in
the context of discussions about TV shows or movies, recalled how much he
loved it when he was a boy, and of course, pointed out where it is on the
bookshelf. (P.S. Hunter started it a couple of days ago and is about halfway
through now -- and liking it!)
We parents are a strong influence, whether we realize it or not. Our kids may
not pick up every little pearl we toss their way, but persistence pays. You
toss that pearl out there enough times, and they just may finally pick it up
off the floor. ;-)
Off course, this is not the same thing as harping at them, which only turns
them off...
Cerelle
***************************************************************************
MESSAGE: (#52) Re: Leisure and literature
AUTHOR: Cerelle
DATE: Sunday, 4 February 2001, at 11:30 a.m.
Reply To: (#48) Re: Leisure and literature
Author: denise in china
Date: Sunday, 4 February 2001, at 6:48 a.m.
: ... ...So
: they read the classics as there is not much
: else available.
I'm betting this is at the root of it all. How many autobiographical accounts
have we all read of children in bygone days, who grew up with access to, say,
their great-uncle's library of classical literature -- and precious little
else? But the other element in that scenario is that those same children also
had a lot of TIME hanging heavy on their hands. Nothing to do BUT read!
It seems to me that to recreate that environment today (in America, at least)
would require superhuman effort. I know there are still families living in the
remote wilderness, without TV hookup, soccer games, or computer games -- but
the majority of us are swept up willy-nilly in the mainstream of hectic
lifestyles and every kind of entertainment imaginable. Well, life is change!
And the "good old days" weren't necessarily as wonderful as we think they
were. Who knows?
: I am a big believer in reading out loud to my
: kids. I highly value the books we own. But
: as our life has gotten more fast paced in
: the last five years, it seems we read less.
: When we first came to China, there was no
: Internet here, there was no English TV, not
: even access to the big hotels and their
: edited newspapers. We had conversation and
: reading to entertain us. We would reread our
: favorites just to have something to read.
There you go! Case closed. :)
Cerelle
***************************************************************************
MESSAGE: (#53) Re: I have a won't reader.
AUTHOR: Laura
DATE: Sunday, 4 February 2001, at 1:25 p.m.
Reply To: (#44) Re: I have a won't reader.
Author: Cerelle
Date: Sunday, 4 February 2001, at 12:59 a.m.
:I certainly hope you are right. She does constantly surprise me! I do have a
bit of a problem being a control freak. I've been working hard on it, but, it
is a hard habit to give up! Her interest in reading material is very unlike
mine and very similar (at this point). You nailed it with the dog manual. When
she does have to chose a book to read on her own, it is always a scientific,
textbook type of reading. Fortunantly, she picks science fiction type or
mystery books for me to read to her. As far as her being young, she is. That
is also hard for me to remember. She is so bright it is easy to forget her
real age when talking to her. The fact she is my oldest doesn't help. I hardly
expect anything out of my baby (almost 4yo). At that age, C seemed like a
really big kid and carried herself as one most of the time. (The fact that
there were 3 younger than her at the time didn't help. She had to be
self-sufficient!)
Thank you for your post. I do need to just relax and lay off a bit.
Hi, Laura! After reading your post and all the
: responses, I wonder if this might be
: something that will just pass with time.
: I've run across many young children who love
: the experience of being read to so much that
: they're reluctant to read to themselves. I'm
: willing to bet that in another few years,
: your daughter will be devouring books on her
: own...UNLESS it becomes a big issue between
: the two of you, in which case she may hold
: out a little longer. ;-)
: If there's anything I've learned during 15
: years of homeschooling, it's that things
: change. The same child who hated to write at
: age 7 may write essays for the fun of it at
: age 12. The kid who refused to read anything
: other than Calvin and Hobbes comics in his
: younger days might end up reading
: Shakespeare (for pleasure!) in his teens.
: I've learned to be a past-master at the
: wait-and-see approach.
: I'm not saying a parent shouldn't exhaust every
: avenue to make sure there's not a physical
: problem at work (like checking out possible
: vision issues), but I AM saying that kids
: will surprise you at every turn. Just when
: you're convinced that all is lost, they'll
: suddenly start reading Aristotle, for
: goodness' sake, and discussing Voltaire at
: the dinner table! :)
: Your daughter is so young. My advice is to give
: her a little time (and plenty of room) and
: keep reading aloud for as long as she'll let
: you. Meanwhile, keep your eyes open for
: areas of exclusive interest that you don't
: share! You probably won't feel like reading
: a whole book on dog care aloud, but she just
: may be willing to take it up on her own...
: Cerelle
***************************************************************************
MESSAGE: (#54) Not how to pick books, but something that worked f
AUTHOR: K
DATE: Sunday, 4 February 2001, at 3:36 p.m.
From the time my kids were little (like maybe age 3?) after I was done with
their night ritual (bath, teeth, jammies, story) they could choose to be
tucked immediately or to "read" to themselves until reading time was over. Now
at that point they could not actually read but they naturally would rather
look at books than go to bed! After a couple months of this, I could actually
discipline them by threatening to take their reading time away. They are now
10 and 11 and read voraciously. I am not sure how early you would have to
start this for it to be effective. I know it worked quite well for a friend
who instituted before bed "reading time" with her son between 3rd and 4th
grade. I think it kind of draws on the point some others have made that there
is nothing else to do!
***************************************************************************
MESSAGE: (#55) Re:Something I've learned from music lessons that
AUTHOR: K
DATE: Sunday, 4 February 2001, at 3:50 p.m.
Reply To: (#20) Re: auditory learner ? ;-)
Author: Laura
Date: Thursday, 1 February 2001, at 9:09 p.m.
First, let me say I do not play any instrument or even read music so, as my
kids are taking lessons, I notice teaching technique more than content.
Anyway, my son takes violin and his teacher found that he works best if given
a set amount of time--if he is supposed to finish X quantity, it will be done
quickly but not necessarily right. DD, on the other hand, takes piano and does
better if told to finish X quantity, she will continue practicing until it is
right. (Interestingly, they both tend to learn fairly equivalent amounts and
take similar time to do so, It is just their better way of organizing their
work!) You might want to look at your DD style and decide whether to give her
X quantity or X time, whichever is better for her!
***************************************************************************
MESSAGE: (#56) Same here! :)
AUTHOR: Cerelle
DATE: Sunday, 4 February 2001, at 7:05 p.m.
Reply To: (#54) Not how to pick books, but something that worked f
Author: K
Date: Sunday, 4 February 2001, at 3:36 p.m.
When ours were young, we insisted that the kids be in bed at a certain time,
but there was no "lights out" rule. They could read as late as they wanted to.
(I figured this was one of the perks of homeschooling.)
When our oldest began to read past midnight on a regular basis, I grew alarmed
enough to make a "nonfiction only after midnight" rule. That was sort of
silly, but my reasoning was that nonfiction was more likely to make her
sleepy, whereas the suspense of a fiction book could keep her turning pages
into the wee hours. ;)
I have to say that the nighttime reading tradition backfired in the case of my
youngest, who is one of those highly visual, stimulus-loving people that
several of you have been giving testimonials about here. He reads at night,
all right, but seems to think there's something downright strange and
uncomfortable about reading during daylight hours! Oops! I didn't see that one
coming...
Once in a great while, though, if he's wrapped up in a book he truly LOVES and
can't put down, I catch him reading in the morning and afternoon, too.
Cerelle
***************************************************************************
MESSAGE: (#57) 8) LOL, works for us too...
AUTHOR: Amy A.
DATE: Sunday, 4 February 2001, at 11:13 p.m.
Reply To: (#54) Not how to pick books, but something that worked f
Author: K
Date: Sunday, 4 February 2001, at 3:36 p.m.
My dd loves to read at night... I think it feels as if she's "getting away"
with something! (especially the one night I had to go in at midnight and tell
her enough is enough...) ;)
I was just joking with dh that I might never have to actually *teach* her
anything, as long as I rotate a good variety of math/science/history etc.
books through her room! I try to go in once a week or so and substitute books
she hasn't read in a while.
I was a voracious reader as a kid; I guess dd must have inherited those genes.
:)
***************************************************************************
MESSAGE: (#58) Thanks for your responses!
AUTHOR: Diane
DATE: Sunday, 4 February 2001, at 11:24 p.m.
Reply To: (#8) I am looking forward to answers on this!
Author: Diane
Date: Thursday, 1 February 2001, at 11:44 a.m.
Thank you all for reading and responding... I put some more audio books on
hold at the library (although he has not yet been fond of them)
***************************************************************************
MESSAGE: (#59) I don't think you can have too many books!
AUTHOR: Eta from sidetr
DATE: Sunday, 4 February 2001, at 11:47 p.m.
Reply To: (#38) Yes but I'm sure many would disagree :)
Author: Giovanna
Date: Saturday, 3 February 2001, at 9:50 a.m.
I love collecting books. I have three large bookcases and one small one. Each
is packed and books are doubled on the shelves. I have books in closets. I
would love to have a whole room to devote to a library, but until then I will
keep finding space. I read each of my books at least once and many twice.
Having so many books has not made my son a less advid reader. Granted he is
only four, but ever since he could talk he'd pick up books and pretend to
read. Now he takes the books an reads the pictures and identifies letters in
the story. Having so many books has encouraged my son to read not discourage
him.
***************************************************************************
MESSAGE: (#60) Re: audio books
AUTHOR: Susan M
DATE: Monday, 5 February 2001, at 1:35 a.m.
Reply To: (#58) Thanks for your responses!
Author: Diane
Date: Sunday, 4 February 2001, at 11:24 p.m.
I put some more audio books on hold at the
: library (although he has not yet been fond
: of them)
After all the comments here, I asked my son if he would like to listen to
books, rather than read them. His response was--No way! He tried an audio book
once (I had forgotten about it) and hated it.
Back to the drawing board...
Susan M
***************************************************************************
MESSAGE: (#61) Depends...
AUTHOR: annie
DATE: Monday, 5 February 2001, at 3:05 a.m.
Reply To: (#41) Well.....
Author: Giovanna
Date: Saturday, 3 February 2001, at 10:24 a.m.
We have too many books... for our shelves, so do we need fewer books or more
shelves?? LOL!
Honestly, I couldn't imagine life without loads of books on hand... but then,
I grew up with them - we *did* have a library room in the house - books were
treated as valuable gems, and my father spent more effort in design and
construction of the library shelves than the whole kitchen, much to my mom's
dismay, LOL!
In fact, I was always the one at parties who was in the room where all the
books were - reading something instead of socializing... sometimes, a lot
better company, LOL!
I do try to keep a reasonable filter in action to decide if it is a book worth
keeping - ie: will it get read again and again, is it a valuable reference
tool, will my kids want to have that special book from their childhood, is it
on a topic that one or another of the family members is really into, or, have
I not yet read it and really want to? Those I keep.
If it fits *any* of those catagories but for some reason is not going to be
kept, is a book that we may want to read again but want to let other people
have access to, or is a duplicate, it goes to the libraray. We have donated a
lot of good books (and a few mediocre ones, in my estimation) to the local
public shelves.
If it is simply incredible drivel, I throw it out. This doesn't happen very
often at all, but I did get a set of "early readers" at a yard sale once that
were so ... well, there is no other word for them than "stupid", and simply
couldn't, in good conscience, pass them on to anyone else. (Yes, I did think
about how I hate the idea of book burning and confiscation and all of that,
but really, I don't think anyone would have argued after taking a good gander
through a couple of these... even little kids recognized them as pap.)
So, can you have too many books? Yes, certainly. Can you have too many *good*
books? Never!!
annie, of HomeSchool Help at Sassafrass Grove
http://www.angelfire.com/mo/sassafrassgrove/index.html
***************************************************************************
MESSAGE: (#62) Don't push! Reading needs to be a joy as well as a
AUTHOR: annie
DATE: Monday, 5 February 2001, at 3:21 a.m.
Reply To: (#14) I have a won't reader.
Author: Laura
Date: Thursday, 1 February 2001, at 3:36 p.m.
She obviously wants you to read *to* her right now, and at 8, I wouldn't be
too worried. She can read, does well with expression - it's there, she just
doesn't *want* to right now. Forcing her will only serve to defeat your
purpose.
When she encounters a topic that fascinates her, she will likely hit the floor
running to the library... but just not yet.
Encourage her when she does read.
Compliment her on her reading speed when she finishes early.
Encourage her to pick out her own books at the library, but *don't* get on her
if she chooses books you feel are 'beneath' her ability... she will find them
entertaining for a short while, and will eventually tire of them and move up
on her own.
Have her read just the first paragraph of whatever the night's reading is. Try
very hard not to get on her for keeping it short. She will get practice, and
not 'forget' how, and will not resent it so if she doesn't feel forced when
she doesn't feel ready.
See if you can find opportunities for her to read to you. Let it be her choice
- on opportunity, not a requirement - maybe her favorite book or story, even
poem while you are soaking in the bath, a little bit while you drive to the
grocery store, or the introduction for a video you are about to watch...
encouraging things that she doesn't see as 'performance tests'.
She'll be a reader, have no fear.
annie, of HomeSchool Help at Sassafrass Grove
http://www.angelfire.com/mo/sassafrassgrove/index.html
***************************************************************************
MESSAGE: (#65) Cerelle isn't Kidding!
AUTHOR: Charlotte
DATE: Monday, 5 February 2001, at 3:25 p.m.
Reply To: (#45) Re: Can you have too many books?
Author: Cerelle
Date: Sunday, 4 February 2001, at 1:25 a.m.
I have been to her house! She has books galore! What a great place to be on a
rainy afternoon!
***************************************************************************
MESSAGE: (#66) too many books
AUTHOR: amy
DATE: Monday, 5 February 2001, at 6:41 p.m.
Reply To: (#65) Cerelle isn't Kidding!
Author: Charlotte
Date: Monday, 5 February 2001, at 3:25 p.m.
I think you can have too many books. For that matter I think you can have too
many of anything. When I have too many books, or other reading materials, I
can't find what I am looking for or remember which book is about what or which
ones are really any good. I have purchased several books on impulse at Half
Price Books because they were such a bargain. Once I sit down to read some of
them, I discover they weren't such a "great bargain" after all.
Some books are gems and really "keepers." Others I feel no more need for after
I have read them once. Still others I can't believe I wasted my time reading,
or trying to read, they were so boring or pointless. The non-gems get weeded
out every few months.
Amy
***************************************************************************
MESSAGE: (#67) Re: Hey, I like this this plan
AUTHOR: K
DATE: Monday, 5 February 2001, at 8:14 p.m.
Reply To: (#56) Same here! :)
Author: Cerelle
Date: Sunday, 4 February 2001, at 7:05 p.m.
My ds has been pushing for a later bedtime which I did not want to do since
given his druthers, he'd stay up til after midnight reading most days and then
proceed to be a bear to live with the rest of the day. However, he also isn't
wild about non-fiction--this could open up a whole new world to him!
***************************************************************************
MESSAGE: (#68) Excellent observation!!!
AUTHOR: Laura
DATE: Tuesday, 6 February 2001, at 8:20 a.m.
Reply To: (#15) Re: Welcome!
Author: Tammie
Date: Thursday, 1 February 2001, at 5:25 p.m.
:This is one I would have never thought of! Could explain alot around my
house.
Hello, Cerelle and all. My daughter, Ashlie, is
: thirteen and loves to read. She can't get
: enough. Her eleven-year-old brother, Toby,
: does not like to read for pleasure, but
: he'll practically swallow a book that
: contains information necessary for
: accomplishing a task that is important to
: him, such as earning a merit badge in Boy
: Scouts. What concerns me (and the reason
: I'll be following this month's topic
: closely) is that he seems to view reading as
: a chore in most cases. He asks questions
: about all sorts of things, but if I give him
: a book to read about his topic of interest,
: or if I suggest that he look up the
: information on the internet or at the
: library (or even do it myself), he is
: usually turned off. He's a conversational
: child. He's interactive. He loves to listen
: to stories. He enjoys being read to. To take
: advantage of his interests, I do the
: research myself, then strike up a
: conversation based on my findings.
: As I'm writing and giving this more thought,
: I'm realizing that it could be more an issue
: of isolation than it is simply a reluctance
: to read. Ashlie likes to read in her room
: with total privacy. She spends hours reading
: chapter after chapter, book after book, much
: faster than I can keep up with. Toby is the
: opposite. I'm wondering if reading makes him
: feel isolated, and perhaps that's what he
: really dislikes.
***************************************************************************
MESSAGE: (#69) Great Books on TV
AUTHOR: Oleta
DATE: Tuesday, 6 February 2001, at 1:39 p.m.
I am pleasantly surprised by how Discovery Channel is presenting classic
literature on their Amazing Discoveries program. They offer author info as
well as an overview of the story, with excellent analysis and application of
the themes. The visuals are very compelling. Even the darkest themes are
presented without offense. I'm sure my daughter will prefer these videos over
reading the classics. It will be a great way to introduce her to these
valuable themes in literature.
***************************************************************************
End of part 1
Back to the Top
Back to the Digest Index