 |
||
Books For Reluctant ReadersIt's vital that reading books for reluctant readers aren't seen as too babyish even if the language is at the right reading level.
Many children who "hate reading" have bedrooms stuffed full of fantastic books. However very often these books are either too difficult, too babyish or basically not interesting enough - in some way they're just not hitting the spot. Let's face it, it's no fun dragging yourself through page after page, sounding out or guessing the majority of words. Once your child finds a book at the right reading level and interest level, success will breed success and it'll be like riding a bike. Once they start moving, there'll be no stopping them! Books for dyslexic children need to be intellectually stimulating and yet linguistically straightforward and accessible. With a book like Harry Potter, an audio version of the book might be a better bet. 
Comics
Never underestimate comics or weekly children's magazines. If the child is reading then shout, "YES!" - but quietly without them hearing ;) I say, who cares if it's a comic or magazine? Children need to practise reading and if your child likes dogs/horses/motorbikes/fairies/The Simpsons/Batman then try a children's weekly or monthly magazine that interests them. If they're reading then don't make a fuss. Quietly be delighted and let them get on with it. Try leaving out the words 'reading' and 'books' and pop down to the local newsagents and browse through the children's magazine section. Magazine Group offers an enormous section of magazines and comics for children from pre-school up to teenagers. We also take a look on our Reading Pen page at the Tag Reading System. The Tag magic pen reads stories out loud and interacts with different elements of the book - ideal for younger children - 3 to 8 year olds love these books and accessories. Books The Mr Gum books by Andy Stanton 
are loved by children - especially reluctant readers! They love the humour and silly stories but there's another thing that attracts these books to children who are reluctant to read.
Although the books are quite thick, there's probably only an average of 10 lines per page. This means they make fast progress and are really pleased with the number of pages they have read. So not only is there a big enjoyment factor with the story but reading it gives them a real sense of achievement. Excellent reviews
and lots of them. Always a good sign!
These books by Henry Winkler are growing in popularity as Winkler spreads the word about his own dyslexia and how it affects/affected him. Recently awarded the O.B.E., Winkler has written over 30 books. The
Hank Zipzer books
tell the story of a boy who is smart, creative and funny. Hank wants to do well in school but often feels like the world’s greatest underachiever.
This series would suit children who are familiar with their own dyslexia and know about the ups and downs of having a learning difference. The books are warm and very funny and might be good for parents to read together with their child. The Clarice Bean series
by Lauren Child are very popular with girls under 11 and are definitely worth a look.
This is what the Sunday Times has to say about the series: "What Bridget Jones is to thirtysomethings, Clarice Bean is to pre-teens: full of funny one-liners, doing her best to overcome her shortcomings, prone to embarrassing mistakes and good at heart ... The story, like Child's doodles, is witty and charming and crams a lot of meaning into apparent simplicity ... We can't get enough of Clarice Bean." The Eugenia Lavender
books by Rian Hughes and Geri Halliwell (ex-Spice Girl) are another series popular with girls. The language is straightforward and accessible and may just get your girl reading!
Click here for the official Ugenia Lavender site. Beware, this website is noisy and flashy but kids will probably think it's great. It's designed to attract their attention and get them interested in the books so why not let them take a look? It might do the work for you. When I was a class teacher in London I bought the Kitty Books
for my mixed Year 3 and 4 class. The girls particularly loved them and read these books until they were practically falling apart.
". . . funny, affectionate tales that ring with the authentic detail of family life." The Independent The Diary of a Wimpy Kid series by Jeff Kinney 
are very popular, particularly with boys. There are four books in the series so far, and they're accessible and funny with great cartoon illustrations. If your son doesn't know these books yet, then treat him!
Astrosaurs: Riddle of the Raptors  by Steve Cole has had excellent reviews from 7 to 9 year old boys. Part of a series following the space adventures of a group of vegetarian dinosaurs, the plots are fast moving and there are plenty of illustrations. The combination of dinosaurs and space is a clear winner! Plus - icing on the cake - there are cards to collect!
Anthony Horowitz  leads the way in modern children's fiction. The Groosham Grange
books are not for the faint hearted but many children LOVE them! 8 - 12 year olds particularly seem to lap them up.
The Alex Rider
series is cult reading amongst many 9-14 year olds. Fast paced, complex and fairly dark, you may want to check the reviews before purchasing, but the children I teach who read them, love them! As a parent you may end up reading these books out loud (the language can be quite sophisticated) but if your child's interest in books is waning, this is sure to turn them around.
The The Rover Adventures by Roddy Doyle 
is a big hit with one of my 9 year old students who has recently become very passionate about reading. Her mum says she can't put it down! This particular book is very accessible, extremely funny (so I'm told) and the spacing of the text is generous. It's made me take a second look at his books for adults.
I use the Wolf Hill Books when I tutor.
I like them because they interest 7-11 year olds without being patronising or 'childish'. The reading ages move up very gradually through five levels and tricky words are thoroughly consolidated without appearing obvious. These books may not look trendy but the stories are interesting and all my students seem to enjoy them. A recommended phonic reader.
Finally Barrington Stoke
books are definitely worth exploring for children aged 9+ (including teenagers).
These books have changed the reading habits of many reluctant readers. As Barrington Stoke themselves say, "Struggling, reluctant and dyslexic readers don't need boring books in childish language - they need the best stories they can get." It seems unpopular to give out reading ages of books nowadays, but for me they make sense. If an 11 year old has a reading age of 7, why give them a book with a reading age of 13? They will only struggle and probably give up. At Barrington Stoke they give reading ages as well as interest levels and so you can find a book such as Living with Vampires. 
This is part of a collection called 4u2read ok
- books with a reading age of 7 but an interest level of 9-12 years. Worth checking out!
If you need help teaching your child to read, then check out the Shelterwood Books and Teacher Resources site. They have an easy to use, beginning phonics program that can be used with all ages, including teens and adults who need reading help.
Useful Page?
Spelling Help Online Homepage |
Useful Site?
Practical, down to earth, survival guide written by a British specialist teacher and mother of a dyslexic child. Read the reviews of Dyslexia: Parents Survival Guide.
|
|
|
|
||
| Home |
What's New |
Build a Website |
Contact Me |
Privacy Policy |
Disclaimer |
Copyright© 2009-2011 spelling-help-online.com
 |
||
