Reading with Ms. Pesta
Reading Updates
Choice?
Last month I mentioned how critical choice is for students, but what about reluctant readers? What about readers who can't find a book or don't want to read.
I encourage reading as do you, but you always hear, "There's nothing here!" "I can't find anything to read."
I encourage reading as do you, but you always hear, "There's nothing here!" "I can't find anything to read."
Reluctant Readers
Reluctant readers are those who aren't interested in reading. But why? Is it the child's interest or ability?
To help overcome the child's reluctance you need to find the root of not wanting to read. Here are some reasons to consider:
To help overcome the child's reluctance you need to find the root of not wanting to read. Here are some reasons to consider:
- difficulty with the text or being uncomfortable with the text. Maybe the book is to thick or the font is too small. There are times when the reader feels they will not be able to read it, so why try.
- interest in the reading material. This is the area that effects everyone not just reluctant readers. Finding texts that are of interest is difficult for many, but reluctant readers often have a narrow interest and finding a book to fit the interest is difficult. For example, if the interest is football that is broad and finding a narrow topic is hard.
- the child may be embarrassed with their skill, their ability.
Some methods to perhaps turn this reluctance around:
- Family reads together at a certain time each night. I know schedules are hectic, but always have a book on hand, if you are in the car listen to a book. Spend time reading aloud to your child no matter what age.
- Try various genres, not always fiction. Poetry is always a good one because it is short and there is rhythm.
- Picture books are not only for very young readers. The vocabulary is high and the message may be above the young reader.
- HIgh-interest (Hi-Lo) books are always interesting and easy to read. The topics are more narrow for reluctant readers. However, finding a book store that offers these books can be difficult.
Here is an article from Reading Rockets about hooking readers.
http://www.readingrockets.org/article/hooking-struggling-readers-using-books-they-can-and-want-read
Christmas List
Some books that are very popular within the Reading Room are:
Here is a list of 2014 books that are recommended:
- Elephant and Piggie books by Mo Willems
- This is Not My Hat by Jon Klassan
- Mercy Watson series by Kate DiCamillo
- Love That Dog and Hate that Cat by Sharon Creech ( grs. 4-5)
- Weird School series by Dan Gutman
- My Teacher is a Monster by Peter Brown.
Here is a list of 2014 books that are recommended: