boys and reading

I’d make him, if only for a short amount of time in the begining to get him used to it.  If it isn’t the ability to read that is the problem, just that he doesn’t want to, that’s a skill he’ll need for the future.  There will be plenty of things in life he doesn’t want to do, but will have to.

Are you sure that the books you are offering him are at his correct reading level?  I used to be a public school teacher-before kids.  Here is how I learned to choose a reading level for a child:  Have the child read a page or two of the book that he is wanting to read (or you want him to read!)  Tallly how many word errors he makes.  If he misses 0-1 word for every 20 words he read then that is an independent reading book for him. (He can read it on his own without frustration.)   If he misses 3-4 words for every 20 words, then it is at his instructional reading level (you will sit with him while he reads)  If he misses more than 5 words out of every 20 words, then the book is his frustration reading level.  It is what it says….if he reads that book he will get frustrated and hate it!  Make sure he reads more than just 20 words and then average them.  It is more accurate to have a bigger sampling.  I run a tutoring business in “all my free time!”   I see lots of kids that are struggling with reading because they are just choosing a book by the cover instead of by the correct reading level.    I have to help them learn to choose books.  I give my son a few books that I think will be close to his reading level.  Then, I let him choose which one that interests him.  Then he reads the fist couple pages.  If it is too easy, then I hand it to him and he can read it while he waits for me to finish a subject with another child.  If it is too hard, I tell him we will try it again in a few months.  If it is the right level, it becomes his guided reading book for school time.  The easiest way to do this is to find a series that he likes that is the correct reading level.  Then, you don’t have to go through this process with every book!  

A side note…..in my house we have the rule ‘no screen time until chores and school work is complete’.  (screen time is anything electronic or with a screen.)  On days when we are really struggling with motivation, I will say no snacks until _______ is complete.  (whatever subject we are struggling with)  My boys are highly motivated by food!   

Jennifer

I’m sure this might be controversial but could you pay him to read?  I’ve actually heard a speaker at a home school conference say that he paid his high school aged kids to read certain books that he found important for them to read.  My sister has done similar ideas with her small kids, paying them a dime a book… having little reading contests, etc.  I have to admit that last week, I paid my daughter a dollar to read to her siblings for awhile.  Once they’re in the habit, perhaps they’ll discover the joy of reading and not need the bribery?  

Also, you could extend his bedtime by 30 minutes – but only if he is in bed reading….  It wouldn’t have to be a school book.   It gives him an incentive to read.