Question of the Week
Instilling the Joy of Reading
My son’s 5th grade teacher recommends that our kids read a book for 30 minutes each evening, that we spend a bit of time reading aloud to our kids (even though they’re old enough read to themselves) and that we discuss what we’ve been reading (whether it be a book or an article from a magazine or newspaper). Another friend pays her daughter to read ($1 for every 20 minutes) [not sure how I feel about that!]
Which tips/tricks have you found helpful (for yourself or your kids) to instill the joy of reading?
Replies (5)
Posted by
-
This is a case where what you do, speaks louder than what you say. If your children see that you make time to read each day, it stays with them. Some read their Bible daily, whatever it is-it makes an impact. To this day I remember a 4th grade teacher who made time each day to read to the whole class for 15 minutes, I even remember the book!
Sep 21, 2010 7:25 am
by dreamdust -
My daughter is 15, and has always resisted reading. I fixed things up a bit for her this year, by collecting all the books listed on her high school reading list, and putting them in one area. I've told her that she may choose among them for her "school" reading (30 minutes a day on weekdays) and allow her to choose her own from any other book in the house or library for her "home" reading (also 30 minutes, but on weekends, holidays and school vacations).
I've found that letting her have some choice in the matter helps her feel in control.
Another thing I've found helpful is getting friendly with the local bookseller and/or librarian. They often keep lists of books that other kids in a particular age group loved. Most of the kids in our neighborhood think this is great, because the recommendation is coming from someone their own age instead of a "stuffy," "old," or "out-of-touch" parent or teacher.Oct 3, 2010 9:55 am
by Xena13 -
@Xena13: I love the idea of befriending a librarian or local bookseller who have recommendations from other kids (my son's teacher has kept a box of cards, each containing a recommendation from kids in past years, which is really helpful). Your idea of collecting books on your daughter's school reading list is an interesting one, but I imagine can be a bit pricey, particularly given the number of unread books you may end up with.
by susandanziger (admin) -
@susan: You haven't seen my house, LOL. It's full of books, both read and unread, and the majority of them were purchased at thrift stores, yard sales, used book stores, and library overstock sales. I end up spending only fifty cents to a dollar per book that way for classics and bestsellers that I know will be loved and re-read over and over again.
So when I said I "collected" the books for my daughter's reading list, I meant I collected what I already owned from where they were scattered on all different bookcases. Anything we don't already own is easily borrowed from the library (only three blocks away from home. Lucky us!).
by Xena13 -
@Xena13: That makes a lot more sense. I love that idea. And how great to have a house filled with books. Sounds a lot like my house, although I spend way too much at the bookstore.
by susandanziger (admin)