Tips for getting child to read

maman

ecgirl07 wrote: »

Comprehension can be taught through discussing tv shows/films. Once you have watched something, or even halfway through ask the comprehension questions. Why is the character acting this way? What could a character have done to change the ending? Encourage predictions what will happen next? Get a list if question from the internet. Then begin to have him justify his answers. Its a great way to engage in inferential thinking/comprehension without it being "reading".

That's a brilliant idea. It's critical thinking that needs encouraging alongside a love of reading.

foreverfly

My first son likes read historical books from age 6 and other like yours doesn't interested at all, we try a lot but nothing helps, I hope it will be gone with age

ejbg2001

If your son is competitive in any way, how about challenging him to look up a word in a dictionary and using it in at least one conversation with you. You could give him stars on a chart (or similar) for each time he uses it and he has to find a new word each day or week. That way he is learning how to use the words he reads, picking up their meanings without having to look at pages of text.

My brother used to hate reading due to dyslexia but loved The Beano and Dandy as it helped with the context as well.

Bellisima

Reading books is not for everyone. I have noticed that some of my friends are avid readers and others only read a newspaper or a magazine, at the most. It was only when I joined my local library via my school that my love of reading started. You cannot force anyone. You either love to read or you dont.

Fireflyaway

My daughter hated reading at that age. She was very sensitive about getting words wrong so would avoid reading.
My best advice is to find books on subjects he enjoys. Do little and often. 5 mins every other day is a lot easier to handle than a boring stressful 30 minute session. Maybe give him a sticker each time he does it then after a certain number of stickers allow him a treat.
I also agree with reading to your child. Make reading a fun time together and not something unpleasant. Also encourage reading when he doesn't realise! Read road signs, ingredients or labels.

Anoneemoose

Thanks again everyone. I’m really impressed by the ideas. We will definitely try most, if not all, of them.

He finished his Spongebob book this morning, so we’ve written that and his Beano comic in his reading record. That gives him a bit of a visual boost with it.

He keeps asking me for another Beano comic, which I’m really chuffed about. I’d rather he was reading something he liked, regardless of what it is! I’m just about to sign up for a subscription for him. I think he’ll like the fact it comes through the post for him too.

ecgirl07 - that’s a fabulous idea. Thanks. We do sometimes discuss things that way..I’ve never really thought about it being helpful as such, it’s just something we do. But we’ll definitely make it a more regular thing.

p00pieb0tt0m

You put a couple of days ago that he put on his football boots and went out. Do you buy a newspaper? Does he have a favourite football team? Would he enjoy the sports pages, perhaps you could also read some and ask questions on comprehension on the match. Although, depending on your interest in the topic he may get more enjoyment from asking you about your comprehension!!!

pinkshoes

Does he like baking?

My 7 year old was initially a reluctant reader, but he likes cakes. I got him to read the recipe books, choose stuff we were going to bake, write the ingredients out on a list, then read out the recipe step by step when we made the cakes.

He didn't see it as reading.

jimbo747

When I was at school I detested reading fiction by some god awful classic author or worse, Shakespeare.

Saying that, I loved the fantasy books by Steve Jackson and Ian Livingston, if you're in you're late 30's like me you'll probably remember them. Needed a pencil and dice. Only time I've ever enjoyed reading.

Anoneemoose

p00pieb0tt0m wrote: »

You put a couple of days ago that he put on his football boots and went out. Do you buy a newspaper? Does he have a favourite football team? Would he enjoy the sports pages, perhaps you could also read some and ask questions on comprehension on the match. Although, depending on your interest in the topic he may get more enjoyment from asking you about your comprehension!!!

No, we don’t buy papers. And he doesn’t really have a favourite team - neither I nor his dad are really into sports so he doesn’t really see that from us. He just likes being out and playing.

Thank you though. Great idea!