DS14 recently told me, he likes reading huge novels because, "..it feels like I'm on a journey."
He's there, where I wanted him to be. He reads for pleasure and the bigger the book, the more he enjoys it.
When I was his age, someone would have to force me to read a book by making it a required assignment for school. I couldn't really enjoy reading it either, because of the fact the assignment would always have a timed deadline. I would always be thinking, I have to get through this book, not, what can this book give to me?
My son has discovered the dilemma of book lovers- you don't want to finish reading because then its over, but at the same time, you want to see how the story ends! I think this is one reason why he chooses long stories. When he picks up a plus sized book, he doesn't think, "Ugh, this will take me forever to read." He instead thinks, "YES! This is a story that will last me awhile!"
We don't give him time limits. We've instead given him the freedom to read when he wants to, as much as he wants to. He usually chooses to read when the rest of us go to sleep and the house is quiet, although I've caught him unable to put the book down during other times as well. We usually allow him to sleep until he wakes up, knowing he went to bed after reading late. (Plus I strongly feel teenagers need extra sleep.)
The thing I struggle with now is, I have so many books I wish he would read. Isn't this true for all of us book lovers though?
"So many books, too little time!"
I think I will copy another unschooler friend's idea. She has a bookcase designated for books she hopes her family will read eventually. I need a shelf for myself too. I'm constantly thinking I don't have anything to read, only to discover later, I really did.
For the record, my son did not use any reading curriculum to learn to read. He learned to read because we read to him. Simple as that, I kid you not. He would have been considered a late reader because he didn't start reading on his own until around age 8, but within the year, he was reading chapter books. When he was ready, it happened really fast.
We don't require him to write book reports or test his reading comprehension. Informally, he'll simply share with us what's going on in the story and what he thinks of it. Often we'll read the same book so we can share and discuss it together. Through our discussions, its very apparent his comprehension is strong, and he finds inspiration through reading.
His recent "journey" comment also shows me he's enjoying the whole process, not just the result.
6 comments:
That's awesome that he likes to read. My son doesn't like to read. I used to read all the time now I watch movies. Guess I got lazy lol
I'm really encouraged to read this, especially how he was 8 before learning to read. I think his love for reading is wonderful. Great job mom!!
That's awesome, Dawn! So many kids don't like to read nowadays. I think it's sad. Alex learned to read at 4. Josh learned at 8. Caity was reading independently at 6. We did use "How to Teach Your Child to Read in 100 easy Lessons" with each of them, but we also read to them. Constantly. My husband and I are both avid readers and so are our children. I have never required them to read a book, or write a book report either. We simply do it for pleasure. Hooray for reading!
Wonderful, Dawn. I love to read, and have a book in progress all the time. This is truly a gift you have been able to give to him!! Awesome.
That's wonderful Dawn, you did a great job. I never liked reading when I was younger but it's probably because I was told to, now I love curling up with a good book.
Its great your son loves to read and go on all those amazing adventures. I love to read but hated it when I was in school. I loved to read the story but hated all those reports you had to do. My son is learning disabled and dyslexic so reading for him is hard but this year he asked for the Spiderwick Chronicles for Christmas, I know if he was in public school he wouldn't of given up on reading years ago. Now he enjoys books that he can read at his own pace.
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