For years it has been difficult to get our son, Shalom (age 11), to read but he's finally doing it on his own and now I can't stop him! He is an active and busy boy, something in my family heritage. LOL For him to sit still and concentrate has always been like pulling teeth. So getting him to sit still and read hasn't been very successful over the years. Many times I'd get frustrated or concerned about this. I have done many read-aloud books with the children as well as evening Bible reading time and always this precious boy of mine is busy - coloring, playing with blocks, etc. He's listening very well, but he's busy.

I've always had the theory that if one can't read (Shalom could read very well, he just didn't) that the one unable to read wouldn't be behind once he did learn. If a child learns to read at age 8 he starts reading at an 8 year old level and if one starts to read at age 12 he starts to read at a 12 year old level. It's a theory I've had but I have been unable to test it. LOL I have always hoped that this theory would apply to a desire to read in some loose way as well.

So Shalom, my boy, has been a source of concern for me when it comes to reading. NEVER did I ever think that I would have trouble getting him to put a book down! These past two months he's read almost everything in the house! Something clicked! At the moment he has one book up in his bedroom and one in the living room - and one in the van. :-) He can't stop reading. DH commented to me this morning as he was getting ready for work that "I can't believe it. He's sitting on the couch reading when you call us for dinner and he just can't put the book down. He has to tear himself away for dinner then after dinner he's back at the book again. Who is this kid?"

So, those of you who have children and you simply cannot get them to sit still and dive into a book - there is hope. Keep reading to them, keep encouraging them to read themselves. Even if it's a short little baby book, if it's of interest to them let it be. Someday it'll click. It's not only a relief because I want to instill in each of my kids a joy of reading and learning, but it's a pleasure to see this one in particular enjoying his book. (that also means that he's still and quiet for a bit - though he's still tapping or humming or wiggling or something...)

Guess what he's reading right now - the encyclopedia (in the kitchen by his fish tank)! He's reading up about yet another jazz musician that he is wanting to do his public presentation this winter on. READING... Learning... Self-motivated!!!!

Update: After I posted this we had breakfast. After breakfast I noticed Shalom and Reuven, age 10, over at the adult book shelf (yes, I have separate bookshelves, they're even arranged by category...). Shalom was telling Reuven which books in the historical fiction section are good ones to read and where they fit in chronological order and in the Bible, the basic gist of each book and why he thinks Reuven would like to read that one. *contented sigh* Shmuella got irritated that I asked her to pick a book from the kids shelf to read rather than the adult one. LOL So she picked "Don't Know Much About The Pilgrims" from the section that contains the books that go along with what we're currently studying. LOL Yes, I can say "anal about my books". LOL I think I have the heart of a librarian...

Posted by SalinaC

That is so EXCITING!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I know the struggle you have had with him and how much you have worked with him. That is a wonderful praise report. Please Tell him how proud I am of him. What an example of perseverance on your part. Good job my friend.

Blessings,

SalinaC

Posted by withHim4ever

I know how you must felt, we were in the same situation. This post hit closer to home. We had a similar problem with dd, she just could not read. I was at my lowest not knowing when she would ever read. We just kept reading to her and making books fun. One morning, all of the suddenly she could read. I love the freedom we have to keep our children at home.