Oct. 4, 2005 - What's a mom to do???
I think I am just talking to myself in this entry...trying to figure out which path to take and hoping someone, somewhere will read this and find themselves able to offer up good advice. Maybe there is a mom out there who has been in the exact same situation or is currently in the same exact situation. Who knows, it's a big world. Well, my six year old told me today he hates doing reading because it is hard. I have been very relaxed about teaching him reading because I had an awful time with his older brother and sware it was because I pushed and pushed. So, I have been low key, or so I thought. Lately, he has been fidgeting and complaining when we do reading. I do find myself getting frustrated and although I don't say anything, my little guy picks up on my every emotion. He has always been that way. So, I think he is starting to worry about failing ME, upsetting ME. I think he is so consumed with disappointing me that he had to really muster up the courage to tell me that he didn't like reading. I know that took a lot of courage from him. He is so much like his big sister...she never, ever wanted to disappoint one of us...you never had to threaten with punsihment..only mention your disappointment and she caved, everytime!! DS is exactly like that. So, I told him we wouldn't do reading anymore until he asked too. I told him how good he was at math and drawing that we would just focus on those two things for a while. I made him promise to tell me when he was ready to learn to read. Now, I'm freaking out! Thinking, what have I done?? What if he never comes to me, ready for reading? What if he never learns to read?? YIKES!! So, what do I do now...leave it be until he matures a bit more or force the issue. I know forcing the issue isn't going to work with this one. I pushed and pushed my older boy and he learned dispite me...but this one...no, he is bent different. Well, I guess for now, I leave things as they are. He is in the basement as I type, playing swords with big brother...that boy would be happy all day...playing!
|
|
Post A Comment!
|
Oct. 4, 2005 - My Two Cents |
| Posted by DreweLlyn |
I understand about the reluctant reader. My dd10 is one, which really bothers me since dd14 was reading everything at that age. (I know, I know, you're not supposed to compare.) You might check into a couple of things....
1. Have his eyes checked. Maybe there's a physical reason reading bothers him.
2. Maybe he's dyslexic or has some other learning disability that makes it even more frustrating for him. (I'm almost certain dd10 is.)
3. Maybe he's just not ready to read. James Dobson says some aren't ready until they are seven.
My advice (for what it is worth)
1. Back off (which you are doing...bravely *smile*)
2. Read lots and lots to him, even if he's swinging, playing with play dough, or coloring.
3. Start a blog for him where friends and grandparents can learn about his day. You do all the typing; just have him narrate everything to you. Include lots of pictures. Then copy his entry to Microsoft (or whatever you have), enlarge, print out, and place in a notebook in protective sheets. Leave this around for him to look at. Read his entries to him periodically. (This has worked wonders for my dear daughter.)
4. You told him you wouldn't force reading, but could you get by with short copy work like Bible verses and short quotes about things he's interested in. DD10 did a notebook on cats last year filled with lots of pictures and lots of copy work. (Of course your little one wouldn't have as much copy work.) You read it to him; he's bound to pick up some words along the way.
5. Did I mention read lots and lots and lots to him?
6. Pray, pray, and pray some more. God has promised wisdom to those who ask. (James 1:5)
Hope that helps. Keep us posted.
In Him,
Drewe Llyn
|
| Permanent Link |
Oct. 6, 2005 - Reading |
| Posted by RaToNa |
When I was teaching in the classroom, two of my fellow teachers and I attended a day long seminar on how to improve student reading skills. We came away with some very basic, and logical ideas. I’ll modify them for home schools.
You read to the kids. Read to them in the morning for worship, have a story time after lunch. Read to them at night when they go to bed. Read to them as many times a day as you can.
Get them to read, even if it’s just “reading” the pictures. Get good comic books. In fact, my son receives the Ladybug magazine (remember, he’s six years old as well) and the first page he turns to is the cartoon page in the back. Every time I go into his room, I have to pick up the scattered Ladybugs as he really enjoys them. The website is http://www.cricketmag.com/home.asp
Another idea is to use a LeapFrog brand leap pad. This is an interactive device that let’s the kids use a pointer of sorts to have the story read to them. Then they can listen to words, sounds, and even spellings, as well as point to pictures on the story to hear more “cool” stuff. Tony loves his and uses it quite often. It’s a great way to learn the skills (phonics) of reading without realizing that he is learning. Find out more about LeapFrog at http://www.leapfrogstore.com.
|
| Permanent Link |
|
About Me
Homeschooling Mom of 3 wild guys!! Sharing her daily strife, success and blessings while atempting to tame the wild hearted boys she has been blessed with!!
Links
• Home
• View my profile
• Archives
• Email Me
|
