What can we learn from a great reader?
Many ADHD kids struggle to become readers and usually schools are of little help. Fancy programs are developed to try to improve reading and raise test scores. While these are (mostly) done with good intentions, they usually don’t look at the obvious – what can we learn from a great reader?
Both of my boys are great readers thru and thru. They both have ADHD and some learning challenges. AND reading is one of their preferred activities. When we are home (or in the car), you will most likely find them lost in a book.
I always say that once you have a good reader, the hard work is done. The world is theirs to explore.
What can we learn from a great reader?
We have so much to learn from kids who LOVE to read. I did a little detective work on my two boys and also thought about the myriad of students I have had over the years. I found 6 basic qualities, which I believe can apply to all great readers.
The traits of GREAT readers include:
- They LOVE to read and see reading as a preferred pastime.
- They get immersed in stories.
- They can tell you their favorite authors or series.
- They read everywhere–in the car, on the bus, at home, in the bathroom.
- They read a variety or materials-fiction and non-fiction books, magazines, etc.
- They identify themselves as readers.
Now lets examine each trait and see how you might help to foster each of these in a struggling reader or even ramp up an already decent reader.
Great readers LOVE to read and see reading as a preferred pastime.
To get to be a reader, kids have to learn that reading is fun. They must enjoy what they are reading and so they must be free to choose their own reading material.
You may cringe at their choices a bit, but let them discover what they enjoy.
A trip to the library to just peruse is a great idea. Used book stores or thrift stores also offer a huge variety of books –and are cheap to boot.
Let them choose the books they are going to read – or that you are going to read to them. Their interests will change and grow as they grow as readers.
Great readers get immersed in stories.
Who doesn’t love a good story?
Good readers love to read for the story-they get immersed in the plot, the characters, and read to find out what happens next.
Fill your child’s life with stories.
Start by listening to stories–check out audio books from the library or download them onto your computer. Make it a habit, listen in the car, on Saturday mornings, during road trips. Read aloud to your kids- a lot.
Read aloud to them – keep reading aloud until they will not sit and listen, which is probably when they leave for college.
Tell them stories – Younger kids, especially, love a good story. You do not even have to be good at this. I told my kids Broccolli Family stories for years – they were silly and didn’t even have to make sense…but they asked for them over and over.
But listening is not reading, you say.
Listening to books can be a great way to get kids immersed in story and a way to experience the sheer joy of escaping into a good book. They can listen to a book that is above their reading level, giving them access to all sorts of new vocabulary. Once they love stories, they will want more and reading is a great way to get more and more.
Great readers can tell you their favorite authors or series.
Once kids find an author they enjoy, it is easy to get hooked.
It seems like the publishing industry has caught on to this because there are soooo many series coming out now.
Look for authors with multiple books and kids can work their way thru them all.
Some fantastic, prolific authors we love are Roald Dahl, Shel Silverstein, Oliver Jeffers, Mo Willems, Mem Fox, Kate DiCamillo, Laura Ingalls Wilder, Bill Peet, Beverly Cleary, Eric Carle, Stan and Jan Berenstain to name just a few.
Great readers read everywhere.
Great readers always have a book with them or within feet of them. They read in waiting rooms, in the car, in the shopping cart!
Try these tips:
- Place small baskets of books all around your house – Find nooks and crannies around the house-in the living room, family room, bedrooms, bathrooms. Books should find their way into nearly every room in the house.
- Bring books with you on errands. Keep books in the car, in backpacks, in your bag.
- Have a bookshelf in every bedroom. We love the rails that allow books to face out, too. Make sure kids have a good book light for night or morning reading.
Great readers read a variety of materials on a variety of subjects.
Great readers like to delve into not just fiction books, but magazines and non-fiction books, as well. Strive to have a variety of reading materials available to your child. Look for high interest non fiction books. Start collecting books on a certain theme, like trains or bugs. Subscribe to a monthly kids magazine like Highlights or Spider.
Great readers identify themselves as readers.
This is where modeling can come in very handy. Let kids see you as a reader. READ books around them. Express your love of reading, take them to the library with YOU. Spend time together as a family in a book store. Once kids see reading as a big part of their lives, they will undoubtedly identify themselves as readers, too.
If you have a struggling or emerging reader at home, never fear–pick one or two of these areas to concentrate on and get started. Even small steps can have a huge impact. I’d love to hear about your reading journey. Who are your kids’ favorite authors?
