Question:
I have a 3rd grader. She was in ps last year, and was reading at a 5th grade
level. Now, it's a tiresome battle to get her to read even the books I KNOW
she would enjoy. I'm sure her reading has already slipped back, or if
not.... is fixing to.
I need some ideas on how to get her to read, and what I need to do to help
her increase her comprehension. All I've ever read about reading is the
"prediction" thing. Have them predict the story. Okay well great, but I want
her to know what she's reading too.
I've gotten to where I dread pulling out a book because I know it's going to
be a river of tears and arguments. How can I make this fun for her, so
she'll want to do it? I'm inches close to giving up, so I'm nearly desperate
here.
Also are there any online articles about
reading comprehension? I have limited funds for purchasing books, and I've
already been to the library. That was a useless effort.
Answer:
Have you tried tie-in books, where they made a movie from the book?
Big commercial example, Disney, but there are others. Or taking some
idea or theme from the book and investigating it in real life? Like
reading a book set in a medieval castle, then visiting the museum and
seeing the tapestries and suits of armor. Kind of like child-led unit
studies. That will definitely help with comprehension.
Some kids like series books, like Sweet Valley High (Dating myself
here :-), are they still around?) and Goosebumps. There are some other
series that are a little more mind-expanding. (You'll have to look,
I'm working with a younger child who's not quite ready for this yet.
Our juvenile section in the library has the juv. series separated near
the juv. fiction.) Sometimes it's an author you can get a kid hooked
on (Louisa May Alcott wrote lots more than just Little Women).
Sometimes you can find a particular subject, like horses, or
mysteries.
Also, don't forget magazines. If she's just not interested in reading
something too long, get her to read short articles and maybe even
children's anthologies of short stories.
I personally think the best place to find books and magazines is at
the library cast-off sales. You get stuff you wouldn't find at Barnes
& Noble, at prices so you don't eat boxed mac & cheese or pb&j's the
rest of the month.
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