Jarvis - The Magic Bookshelf - Luring the Noninterested Reader


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	Jarvis Interview Reading ed center Luring the Noninterested Reader (and the Junk Book Junkie) excerpted from: The Magic Bookshelf by Janie & Richard Jarvis Reprinted by permission of the authors from "The Magic Bookshelf" All rights reserved. This may not be reprinted without the express written permission of the author © 1999 Janie & Richard Jarvis It’s easy to acknowledge the benefits a child can reap from reading, and you can study the market, invest in all the best books, and devote lots of energy to making your household a more literate environment. But what if you have a child who, though his learning and fundamental skills appear adequate, shows no real affinity for reading, who just seems noninterested in books? In this instance, we are not talking about the more delicate situations of a so-called "reluctant reader," in which a child’s refusal to read might be connected to serious problems such as a learning disability, attention deficit disorder, attitude or discipline problems, or a general mental block. These conditions require the assistance of a specialized teacher, psychologist, or other person trained to offer solutions and treatment. Books that specifically address the problem of reluctant readers, such as *Parents Who Love Reading, Kids Who Don’t: How It Happens and What You Can Do About It* by Mary Leonhardt, can help parents find resources to overcome such obstacles. However, a scenario where parents can successfully provide their own home-grown assistance involves the normal-achieving student who just can’t seem to look in on books that inspire her. As a result, she becomes what we call a "noninterested reader." Such children are capable of reading on acceptable, even high, levels but will seldom read anything they don’t have to. In short, they’ve never met any good books they really liked. To face this challenge, parents need to redouble their efforts to provide that "good books" are really good. Instead of trying to woo the child with something, anything, launch a search for a book so good, on such a tantalizing and relevant subject, that he can’t help but be interested. Does he love Alaska? As a family, try reading The Call of the Wild by Jack London, or Jean Craighead George’s intensively researched adventure/coming of age novel, Julie of the Wolves, which is set in Alaska (and which has two sequels the child might then want to read on his own). Or, if your child wants to read on an adult level, find him a copy of naturalist John Muir’s personal account, Travels in Alaska. Start with a subject that turns your child on so much, a book about it is irresistible. It’s always struck us as backwards that the approach to dealing with non-reading children has often been to toss the lowest-level junk at them - as if mediocre material could possibly enlighten minds already skeptical that there’s anything good out there. In his *Read-Aloud Handbook, Jim Trelease tells of a boy who recoiled when his neighbors’ father interrupted playtime to sit down with the children for a read-aloud session, The boy was invited to join them but adamantly declined. The father was good-naturedly told the boy he was welcome to wait outside if he wished, until they were finished reading. The boy was persuaded to linger in in another part of the room with them, though he stubbornly maintained that reading time wasn’t for him. But he started tuning in anyway - and became so captivated by My Side of the Mountain* the he drew nearer until he was finally in the circle of the readers, eagerly listening to every installment and "happening" by the house promptly at reading time every evening. Soon after, he was spotted at the bus stop with his own copy of the book. Here are some other points to keep in mind when dealing with a noninterested reader: Reading books to the child "in company" As illustrated in the above anecdote, the best way to pique a child’s interest ten is by reading carefully chosen books to the child "in company" - either reading aloud one on one or with other family members or friends. To jump-start this habit, you can turn to Trelease’s books on the subject. Noninterested readers need to experience firsthand how exciting and enjoyable books can be, and like the skeptic in the anecdote, develop a thirst for more. The chosen books must be absorbing: the characters likable, funny, and adventurous; the plot suspenseful; and the end gratifying. This may sound like a tall order, but trust us: many books fit this description. Nonfiction books Keep in mind that books you choose don’t always have to be fiction. For many children, nonfiction books that speak directly to their interests, like how-to or biographical works, can work the same magic. Some juicy children’s nonfiction titles are listed at the back of our book. Not every child is, or meant to be, a bookworm. But there are many different kinds of books out there and you can be sure there is something for every child that can delight and challenge. Reading aloud alternate chapters of a book Help the child stay engaged by reading aloud alternate chapters of a book, especially with fiction, which is a more communal medium. You can take the first chapter, then the child can read the second, and so on. This can make reading seem more of a game and less of a task. It also gives a sense of accomplishment, as the reading generally goes faster with a little assistance. And it’s also fun to create these memories. "Age-level" reading guidelines can be a big stumbling block for some children. Children whose reading abilities are coming along, but still might be as strong as their peers, can grow intimidated, even humiliated and give up. With the support of their parents and the attention of academic professionals in their lives, this can improve. For your part, you can find books written on slightly lower levels, but that still match your child’s specific interests. In fact, this is the whole concept behind the rapidly growing "Hi-Lo" (high interest level, low reading level) book programs used to help older children and adults improve their reading skills, and even learn to read from scratch. Using desirable subjects as your guide, launch a hunt for enticing yet simply and clearly written books that might seems more palatable to your child. Jarvis Interview Reading ed center Comments I used "Teach Your Child" to Read From: Jill in MT I used Teach Your Child to Read...with great success when my son was 4 and 5. We only went to about lesson 55, and he had learned so much that now he just kind of knows how to read and how to figure out those sounds he doesn't know yet. (He just turned 6) We are now doing Hooked on Phonics for fun, which we had but he was not ready for at age 4. It's pretty much a review in this first box that we are now on, but that never hurts and he does enjoy the charting of reaching goals and reading actual books. One things that we did at the beginning when the stories started to get long was to do that lesson one day and then the story the next. I really love this book and wouldn't trade it for anything!! :) Summer Reading From: Sarah If your son is not reading well I would suggest finding a series he likes, my son loves Goosebumps, and get him started with a set reading time each day then have him share the story with you so you can see how much he comprehends. We also used the Chill and Thrills workbooks for his reading comprehension the summer after 7th grade where he would read a short story and fill in the blanks or answer short questions. Thru gentle encouragement I now have a soon to be 9th grader who loves to read. Reading & Phonics Ideas Libraries - have a summer reading program. From: Cheryl White in AR Ours has a weekly meeting (watch for unchristian content), a reading goal the child sets up and works toward, and rewards at the end (free ice cream, coupons for local business that kids like & more). Barnes & Nobles also has a reading program. You read 8 books, fill out the "travel log" they provide, which lists the book, author & what the child liked most about the book & parent's signature and they will receive a free book (from their list of 25 paperbacks). Another suggestion is getting audio books; play them while he's doing dishes, in the car...etc. Videos are another option, especially for 7th grade. Yes, a video. Find one that was made from a book, one that he likes; then have him do a brief report....(ugh! he will say) but it's simpler than it sounds. Report can include: title, author, type of book (fiction, biography...etc), setting of the book (i.e. ancient Egypt, jr. high student in the 25th century....etc.) Then have him write his favorite part. Another option is to read a book, then have him re-tell the story if HE was the main character. What would he have done different & why. Anything that's decent, that he enjoys reading ,helps his confidence & reading practice. Well, hope this gives you food for thought. Enjoy your summer! Cheryl in AR Mom to 19dd, 17ds & 12dd Read with your child From: John Shuttleworth Curl up on the couch or hammock. Read to him or alternate every other page of reading with him. If he isn't paying attention, stop randomly on the page for him to begin. Read something he would enjoy. Someone suggested the Tarzan series books or Tolkiens Trilogy and the Hobbit. You will get to a point where you can't put the book down, but do it anyway so he will be anxious to pick it up again, with you, the next day or even before bed. Try to spend an hour each day. Eventually, he will want to read on his own. Go to the library and get books on tape, he can follow along with the book as he is listening. Interested in Janie & Richard's book? Click here to buy Sales of this book through the link above help to support this FREE website and support group. Thanks for your support! Meet the Author Marty Layne "Learning At Home: A Mother's Guide to Homeschooling" hosted by Joe Spataro interview & FREE excerpts Marty Layne is the mother of three sons and one daughter who have never gone to school. She is a former La Leche League Leader, farmer, day-care center director, and nursery school teacher. She likes to read cook, make dolls and puppets, sing, play the recorder, and work in the garden as well as write. In this interview she shares with us the essential characteristics that a successful homeschooling parent needs. She also helps us construct a safe homeschooling environment and features her very successful and talented family all of whom were homeschooled.		Have a summer story or poem to share? Join our creative writing group & Send it to us!! more grade school education more homeschooling books "Is Homeschooling Expensive?" Frequently Asked Questions Great Gift for Dad! Folding Chair with Footrest FREE Summer Ideas FREE ChiliUSA recipes FREE Father's Day Crafts Secret World Basset Hounds See my Basset friends see my favorite biscotti E.D. Hirsch K-6 Core Knowledge Series See entire series for Grades K to 6 What Your Kindergartner Needs to Know : Preparing Your Child for a Lifetime of Learning by E. D. Hirsch (Editor), John Holdren (Editor) With its comprehensive curriculum providing a sound basis in the fundamentals of math, art, history, language arts, science, and technology, the phenomenally successful Core Knowledge series has become an esteemed tool for parents and teachers striving to better educate today's children.

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	Reprinted by permission of the authors from "The Magic Bookshelf" All rights reserved. This may not be reprinted without the express written permission of the author © 1999 Janie & Richard Jarvis