Substituting books: how often, how many…

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  • July 13, 2011 at 2:46 am
    my3boys
    Participant

    So, my compliant child has let me know today that some of the books he’s read lately (2) he didn’t really care for.  He did let me know during the one of them that it wasn’t really all that interesting to him, okay, fine.  We were so far into it I felt that we should finish it. 

    *Should we have finished it?? 

    *Should I have found a substitute??  And if so, should it have been about the same person or just in the same time period (it was for history)?? 

    *Should I always try to find a substitute whenever he mentions he’s not really enjoying the book??  How many chapters should you read before substituting??

    I have only substituted/skipped/stopped reading one book this past year and he is usually very happy with what we’re reading.  I don’t want to get into the habit of not finishing books or just letting him decide he doesn’t like a book for whatever reason.  I understand him needing to enjoy a book; it coming “alive” for him, but when do you see that you finish what you’ve started for the sake of the book.  These last two books had very valuable character meanings in them and I think he gathered that, but not really sure.  I suppose even if it’s there but only I see it, and he’s only reading out of obedience then he may not really be getting much out of it.  At the same time, I’m pleased that he’s obedient enough to read even it he doesn’t care for it.  He says he’ll read it if it makes him smart 🙂   What do I do??

    July 13, 2011 at 3:42 am
    Linabean
    Participant

    I think you need to start by finding out WHY he is not liking a particular book first. Then you can base your decision on that. He may have a very valid reason why a book is not a good fit and then you and he could try to find a suitable substitute together. If it is just that he thinks it is boring, but there are certain valuable lessons in this book that you want him to read, then maybe you could give him something to look for in the book. Something in particular that he can dig for while reading the book. And then you can discuss it to see if he has found the “nuggets” that you were hoping he would. If he does, you could gently point this out to show him the worth of the book and how he would have missed out on this lesson and knowledge if he had not read it. Sort of a more mature version of the “hooks” that are suggested you give to younger children for read alouds in order for them to “hang the story on”. Did I word that clearly? I’m not sure if I wrote that in an understandable way.

    Blessings!

    Miranda

    July 13, 2011 at 4:18 am
    my3boys
    Participant

    Thanks Miranda.  That was very clear and something I need to ponder.  I did find both books excellent for character (integrity/faith/hardwork/peace/God honoring, etc.) but I failed to have him “find the nuggets” then discuss.  I suppose I made the mistake of explaining the value (instead of him finding them out for himself), except for the fact that during some discussion he really did see the value in this man’s life.  I did ask him to look for those ideas that I knew were there, but I know that I did not do that in a more purposefully way. 

    To answer the “why”, he said they were not exciting: battles, wars, relational/emotional struggles (then working them out).  They were both sort of hum drum (with value). He actually felt bad that he had criticized the authors:)  He’s not a super aggressive child so I think he enjoys reading stories that play out his opposite.  He loved Charlie’s Choice, Narnia, Strangers in the Land, Sugar Creek Gang, etc.  Those books have adventure, some (if not a lot) of emotionally charged scenes that keep him wanting to listen (can’t wait to get to the book) but also with a moral message.  I don’t think he’s wanting to get away from a message or a value, just an exciting way to get there.  And, with that said, I want that for him too.  But, I think I may find it difficult and time consuming to start a book only to find out that it’s not “pulling him in” to then have to find something else.  So, I think I will do what you have suggested especially if I don’t feel the need to skip it.  At the same time, I do realize that there are many other books to choose from and I hate to waste our time…….sigh.

    Fine line, fine line…..any other thoughts??

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