Assigned vs. Read Aloud: How to Decide?

For my ds7 I assign a chapter a day in a literature book ( like Little House or Black Beauty) and then an assigned reading in one of the history books in the 1-3 level of the history module. He is finishing 2nd grade technically. Last year he has only one assigned reading per day. Next year in 3rd I am planning to assign more. His sister will be 6 so I will need more time with her. I will most likely

have him doing his own science readings too. I balance these because we often have 2-3 read alouds a day too.

Tara

Andi, it’s an interesting question you ask. I noticed big differences when I started asking my two 11-year-olds to do more of their own history reading this year. One boy had always appeared very “dreamy” while I read them their history books, and had a hard time retaining information and keeping track of things. I was amazed to find that when he read his history books himself, he retained tons more and his interest level rose dramatically! The other 11-year-old, who had always remembered everything I ever read to him, really struggled at first, and had to be taught to slow down, making sure he understood each paragraph before proceeding to the next.

For this reason, I find it’s important to transition to having them read more of their own work with plenty of guidance, to make sure they’re really “getting” it – their narrations will tell you. You may have to shorten the assignments as you work through this, until they’re more adept at reading attentively in this way. Even with my older guys reading their own history lessons, I always have a read-aloud going and it gives lots of opportunity for good discussion.

In terms of what they “should” read on their own: I’m not sure, but I thought I read that CM advocated them reading more of their own material starting in about 4th grade. My 3rd grader this year read his nature readers on his own, with narration given soon after the reading. We also chose several pieces of literature for him to read on his own through the year. I read his history lessons, poetry, and other literature selections aloud, and sometimes we’d take turns reading to one another (it helps him pay attention!).

Blessings,

Aimee

I let my son have one “free read” with no narration. He usually would end up running in and telling me about it informally anyways lol. My son is a strong reader and I do not worry about his comprehension. I have given him a book before and he brought it to me and asked for it to be a read aloud because it had too many hard words. We have discussed this so he knows if he is not understanding to talk to me. He does retain very well if I read aloud. He definitely leans toward auditory learning.

He needs to narrate fairly soon after he reads. He can wait until his sister is done with phonics or something but usually wants to narrate right away.

I agree some children learn better reading on their own. My daughter often reads the chapter I just read for herself later or will follow along. She likes to see the words.

I do not preread all books. Sometimes I skim through for the gist, or because I think they look interesting.

My son narrates better if he thinks I have not read the book. 🙂 Then it is more like telling me about it and less like a test I guess. As log as I get a decent amount of info (not one or two tepid sentences) and hear interest and thoughtfulness in their narration I am happy.

Reading ability matters a lot in this area. You know your own children and this is an area to personalize.

Tara

If you had them read what you are calling a “classic”, what would it be at this age? 

Andi-

Yes, I assign only one literature free read at a time. Our usual rule is one chapter a day. This is usually read in the afternoon during quiet time or early before school if he feels spunky. He has a daily checklist with his independent reading and activities like piano practice. He can do it anytime as long as it all gets done.

My children read a lot. All day here and there. The free read I am speaking of is the one that I assign with no narration. My son just finished On the Banks of Plum Creek. He has been working his way through the Little House series for his free read. I let him pick his free read from my list. He chose Black Beauty to do now. The purpose of the free reading is to encourage him to read excellent books with enjoyment, and assigning it makes it get done.

I also assign a history read with narration. We do one at a time here also. It just seems to work better for him to concentrate on reading one book slowly. Breaking the books up like AO does and reading a chapter a week made him frustrated.

We also have read alouds with narration following. We usually have one literature book going steady and then spread out our others a bit more. We may have 6-8 other books going at once and these are more broken up. Books like Burgess Animal Book and history spines lend themselves to stretching out, but a good literature or historical fiction book seems to demand we read it continuously to flow correctly for my younger children.

But these are just assigned books. We have a large basket of books in our living room full of library books for unassigned free reading. My daughter likes to have 3-4 books going all the time. My son tends to live with his book constantly for a few days instead.

So my words “free read” only mean assigned for school but free from narration, but not leisure reading. I think my meaning may differ from what others are discussing.

Tara

That would be really frustrating! Were your children hsed from the beginning? Reading has never been synonymous with school here. Reading aloud was a treat before naptime, and books were right beside the toys.

I have seen a lot of children hate reading because they equate it only with school. Perhaps you could try to find a book they would find interesting on audio and listen to it in the car because “YOU” want to hear it…and let them get sucked in. Or read a book and at an interesting point exclaim “listen to this!” and read a few paragraphs…ending it quickly and then ignoring them and reading silently again. Perhaps it would entice them to want to hear more. Having them do copywork of exciting passages might make them curious. A love for reading makes educating children a whole lot easier. It’s worth it to invest some serious time and sneaky tactics in accomplishing it. 🙂

Tara

I’m going to say this and then run…lol

I let my children pick out a set number of books at the library…and sometimes it is straight up twaddle. BUT to be honest sometimes I like a good frivolous fun read too. So they get a certain amount of picks, then I fill in the rest. I toss in a couple easy readers, interesting picture books, some picks from the “classics” or cm booklists, and anything that catches my eye.

My daughter is fond of Disney princess books. Secret: So am I! My son likes Junie B Jones (hate them and their incorrect grammar). Chapter books about fairies and superheroes…yep, they read them.

We read so many good books for school. Also, they blow through the twaddle fast and end up chewing on my choices the rest of the time. I think over time they figure out a difference. My son asked me to help him find a book like the Chronicles of Narnia ” you know, the kind that makes you want to keep reading?” …sounds like the definition of a living book to me 🙂

I do censor for appropriate content like language, sex, or other bad influences. Other than that I keep my hands off their personal choices.

You also might try shooting a bit below their age level to make the reading easier. Many of the history books listed for younger children would be an easier read, yet not babyish.

Limiting TV and video games does help a lot. Boredom is a fantastic motivator.

Tara