my son does not like to read what can i do to help him?

Question

he is 5, no learning disability, he is a funny guy very smart when it comes to creating or writting stories. Homework is not his favorite thing on earth. I have collections of books, magazine subcriptions for him to read. I always have read to my three kids, but he has problems concentrating on his homework or reading. Help.

Answer 1

You say you have collections of books and magazines but maybe he would enjoy picking out things for himself. As a gift, you may give him a magazine subscription of his own. He will have something to look forward to when receiving it in the mail every month. I don't know exactly what a 5 year old would subscribe too since it has been a while but I'd imagine there are some great publications for kids.
Also, I think the idea of making it time for both of you is good. You could read to each other so he participates as well as you. Or, if he likes writing, maybe he could write something and you could write something and then switch and read each other's and discuss. It would be just a short paragraph answering a simple question like "What is your favorite color?" or "Who is your favorite cartoon character?" That may be fun as well.
As for homework, kids are all different. I loved school but my siblings did not and so my mom had to adjust her rules about homework for them as we got older. The rules unfortunately changed for me as well but basically we had to do our homework before going out after school, watching tv, etc. It didn't work so well but my mom worked and couldn't be there to see that we were doing our homework. If you have the time to sit down with him while he does his homework, that may help. Again, it can be an activity for you both.
Good luck. Being a mother is not an easy job.

Answer 2

*********************************

1. He isn't to old for you to continue reading to him, but make sure it is a book he likes. Harry Potter might be fine if you read it.

2. Get an age appropriate book about something that he finds interesting. What does he watch on TV? Typical subjects for a 5 year old might be Dinosaurs, Pets or Games. Five is really pretty young, and you are looking at basic stuff. Try reading the book to him first, or reading along with him.

3. The link to ADD is below. Read it carefully, and don't flip out. remember the child must have the appropriate number of symptoms. Every 5 year old has at least some of the symptoms.




Give me more information and I'll try to give some help.

How old is he?

Is he diagnosed or do you suspect any learning disabilities, autism ADD, dyslexia, etc.

Any behavior problems in general?

Does he do well in other area? Like does he play well with other, do sports.

How about school? Even without the reading, is he "getting by."

Anything else you might think of would be great. I'll do my best Dr. Phil. But best I can do is point you in the right direction.

Answer 3

Take him to the library and let him pick some books on topics he enjoys. Take the time to set and read with him. Depending on his age it can be fun if you read one page and he reads the next. I always read to my three daughters at their bedtime and they are all avid book readers now as adults. I also discovered that my youngest daughter had dyslexia through our reading times.... My oldest daughter was more active and it was harder for her at first to set and listen, but giving her something like a stuffed animal or reading during snack time helped her. Each child is an individual and as parents we have to dig around and find what works best for each of our children independently.

Answer 4

Try to get a book on his favorite subject. My son had a thing for alligators and never read until I bought him a book on it. It was a picture book with few words. He ended up asking me what they were doing and I would make him read the caption. From there, he started getting more books with more words and eventually would read the books he had to for school.

Answer 5

Do you read. Children copy thier parents. My dad read all the time and now I do too.

Also, if you have the space to do it. Take all the toys out of his room and keep them somewhere else. Only keep books in his room. That way, if he gets in trouble, you can send him to his room and all that is there are books. He can always take toys to his room , but make him put them away when he's done. No toys in the room!!!!

Answer 6

Depends on circumstances. Maybe he lacks enough room or quality lighting or has a hard time understanding the words. Having a clear large desk with good lighting and a computer dictionary might improve things. There are online dictionaries available, like http://education.yahoo.com/reference/dictionary/

Answer 7

Let him pick out the books or find some that will hold his intrest. And tell him he is a good reader and the more he reads the better he will get at it.

Answer 8

How old is he? Try reading to him. Find stories that would interest him. Let him stay up a little bit past his bedtime, if he is reading a book durring that time.

Answer 9

Read with him.
You can also reward him for reading with something he enjoys.
But for me, it was always my mum who made me love reading. It was our special time together, from the time I was a baby even until I had some tough books she had to help me read in 6th grade. I still love to read.

Answer 10

A good starting place is Harry Potter... honestly it will make him want to read

if he won't start them by himself read the first one to him and then he will pick up from there.