How to wean my kids off of Twaddle?

I guess I would start by doing 2 things. First, pick a good living book that you think will appeal and read it aloud to them. Second, figure out their interests and guide them to living books that take those interests into consideration. There are LOTS of living books out there to choose from and not every one will appeal to every person. It can sometimes take awhile to find the right fit. I would continue to let them choose books that they want while also requiring a few that you’d like them to read. We have a required reading time here each day (maybe 30 minutes for your ages) where they are required to read the books I pick. Otherwise they read what they pick (within reason-like the spiritual/moral guidelines you put in).

For the one that likes American Girl, maybe try The Cabin Faced West or Sarah Whitcher’s Story or Laura Ingalls Wilder books (even my boys like these books). I’m blanking on other ideas right now. If I think of more, I’ll post again later.

As far as the books they are choosing, I wouldn’t consider those horrible (although we don’t allow bionicle stuff for other reasons). My kids have spent time reading Magic Tree House (boys only so no American Girl or Nancy Drew : ). We used them as stepping stones to other history books.

HTH,
Rebecca

My almost 8 yo used to like the Magic Treehouse books as well (didn’t read as many as my 11yo and that wasn’t alot), now he likes The Boxcar Children (especially the first ones), any living book that I read from History Module 5, all of the other books I have found that are on book lists from this site and others. 

My oldest used to read My Name is America books, but that’s because I was having a very difficult time encouraging him to read for pleasure and education. I read some to him, then he started to read them himself.  Now this has been quite a while ago (maybe 1 1/2 years ago) so we’ve been able to move on to better quality books.  He has no problem reading what I offer/suggest or listening to his history/science living books from this site.  I have purchased alot of used living books (from those recommended here and one other book list I have) and he chooses from those to read independently.  When we go to the library I have a list of books I would like them to read/or be read to them and just pick them up and take them home, then read them.  If they pick up books too I let them read them once (or encourage them to read them at the library).  At least I know I have the books I want and I don’t ask their permission to do that.  I don’t think I’m mean about it or surpressing choices/desire to read, but encouraging it and supporting it.  I do ask “Out of these 3-4 books which would you like to read?”  They still have choices and they never complain.

One thing that has helped my family is having an abundance at home to choose from (not like some people, but we’re getting there).  If we can’t make it to the library then at least we have good books at home that have been pre-selected by me:)  My kids used to complain because we didn’t have many to choose from but now we do so they’re okay.  My oldest is very compliant and just knows that when I ask him to choose a book for himself to read what I mean by that.  He has a choice, but just within the boundaries that have been provided. Since I have considered their personalities/interests/reading levels, etc. he and his brothers have plenty to choose from.  And he always comes back saying that that is/was a good book and that he wants to read another like it:)  Yeah!!  That is from a boy who thought that he was too stupid to read:( 

Okay, that was long winded. I apologize if I didn’t answer your question, but until 1 1/2 years ago my oldest had struggled so much with his reading. Once I began to be okay with reading to him and that that was just as good (got that from this site) and making better choices in literature, I was at a loss and so sad for him.  I guess what I’m trying to say is that even if your kids don’t necessarily want to read the book(s) you have chosen doesn’t mean you can’t read to them for class time. I think they will be pleasantly surprised at how good they are and not want to go back to the other (at least not for their primary reading source).

Hope that helps and doesn’t confuse the issue:)

One more thing I was going to mention was that when my oldest is looking for a book to read independently (or I’m expecting him to) and he can’t decide I encourage/expect him to read the first chapter to make a decision.  Now he gets the idea that “can’t judge a book by it’s cover or copyright date.”  There are some books that I would like him to read because I did as a child that I know he would love, but he’s not quite sure then I just ask he reads the first chapter/save it for another time/or use it as a read aloud. I always tell him that I’m glad he gave it a shot and maybe in the future he will pick it up again with a fresh perspective or maybe not. Let’s face it, we only have so much time and we probably will not get to all of the books we’d like to (especially if you started late like I did with CM), but if that seed is planted toward good, quality books then hopefully they will want to read what they didn’t get a chance for as children when they reach adulthood:)

Be sure to let us know how it’s going:)