How late can you learn to read?

Question

I have just adoped an 11 year old, Who can't read or write. He is very bright but I was just wondering is if is too late to teach him to read fluenty in english and be excellent student. So that he can catch up with the children of his age. If you have a somewhat similar experience please share. How hard is it? and where do i star t? should i homeschool him ? Do you know material I can use?

Thanks,

PS: Serious answer only please.

Answer 1

It's never too late,you just have to teach him.You can't expect him to read right away though-you have to teach him to read and write like he was a preschooler.Just start with the basics,2 and 3 letter words.I find when i'm studying flashcards help me more than anything especially for those spelling words I had in 2nd grade.

Answer 2

As long as he can learn he has time to learn how to read and write. 11 is plenty young enough to learn.

As an example Gene Simmons of the rock band KISS could not read or write anything in English at age 10. He was from Israel and spoke only Hebrew. Just think about how many other immigrants of all ages must learn English after coming to America.

It will take time and patience but he can do it. For help and to make it easier try the Pimsleur Language Program. It is available in many languages and is the most widely used program to learn a language. Barnes & Noble carries it and you can often get used copies on E bay cheap. (I've used it to learn French.) Pimleur uses the listen and repeat method to learn, the same way we learn to speak.

Your son will take a few years to catch up to others his age so don't be discouraged early. His school should provide extra help too.

Answer 3

It is never too late to learn to read. I can't tell from your question if your son is from another country where English is not his native language, but that shouldn't really matter. You say he is very bright, so you'd probably be impressed at how quickly he can learn.

I don't know about your question to home school your son. I have my own thoughts and feelings about home schooling. I feel that the socialization an actual classroom brings to a child is more advantageous than home schooling. You might want to consider hiring a private tutor for the first year (if budget allows) or to enroll him in a private school that can dedicate extra time and attention to his case.

You may also want to consider enrolling him in courses at a place like The Sylvan Learning Center (centers are nationwide) or something similar. Nonprofit organizations also exist to help people to learn how to read and write.

Use random opportunities to help teach your son. For example, when you're at the grocery store, or driving and reading road signs. Read books to your child. The opportunities are endless and will only enrich your child's life further. Assuming it's too late to read and write would be withholding a wonderful gift from him.

Answer 4

It is never too late to learn a new language, written and spoken. It will be hard, but it is always possible, and depriving a child of this knowledge on the grounds that it's too late is a grave mistake indeed.

If you are good in english, teach him, if not, there are always plenty of classes for every age available. Where to start? Depends if he knows a bit of english or not. If not, childrens books, even if it's lower then is age will help him understand the basic words of the language. T.V. shows for kids will do that also. He needs to learn the words before the grammar. Blue, red, dog, cat, that kind.

Answer 5

Its never too late to learn to read and write fluently, though of course it will require a lot of dedication and support.

I would suggest consulting your education board (shouldnt the child already be enrolled in school?). I am sure they would furnish you with all the appropriate information, support and materials so that you can aid the child at home (in conjunction with professional educators).

I really wouldnt advise taking this on yourself unless you are a qualified teacher or similar.

Talking with child and letting him know that he has nothing to be ashamed of and a whole new wide world to open himself up to will be the biggest obstacle, as it can be so discouraging and embarrassing for a child unable to keep up with his peers.

While your researching and getting all that info together, you could use the same method I used to give my kids a headstart before attending school: Write words of ordinary household items on paper or cardboard and tape to the items (the word TELEVISION on the tv, the word CHAIR on a chair etc)...I call them Sight Cards.

At his age, he'll need some extra challenges to hold his interests for the building block stuff....give him Sight Cards with the basic words like IT, AND, SO, FOR, TO, DO etc....give him a primary level reader and ask him to count (or tally on a piece of paper if he can't count) the amount of times he can recognise those words on each page.

Gosh, thats a serious challenge you have there...good on you for taking that on, he's a lucky boy indeed that he has someone who is taking such an active, supportive role in his life. Good luck!

Answer 6

No it isn't too late. The older you get the harder it is, but 11 isn't that old at all.

You probably want to get help from someone that teaches English to what ever language he speaks professionally. He has enough ground to make up without having to deal with you learning how to teach it to him at the same time.

Go talk to the local school district and see what they have to say. I am sure that they have somethig and can steer you toward other programs if he needs more.

Answer 7

it's never too late.. try flash cards and even better get a video that helps teach younger kids to pronounce letters.. that would probably really help.. just take it day by day.. it takes alot to teach the English language.. good luck..

Answer 8

Its never too late, I volunteered for the foundation for literacy where I was actually assisting 80yr olds to learn to read. Start with the alphabet and work your way up,

Answer 9

check with libraries in your area and also the school , they have special programs to assist you

Answer 10

flash cards, now.
it is never too late.
good luck.