My 11 year old absolutely HATES to read! How can I help him ..............?

Question

There has got to be a way for him to learn how to enjoy reading, but we haven't figured it out yet! He's very smart, and reads at an 8th grade level. His school does the accelerated reading program, so he has to read at least 2 chapter books a week. It's like pulling teeth! We take turns reading, and that works for a little while. The next day - back to hating it. Any ideas? Help!!! Thanks!!

I should have added that he can only read selected books from the school library to be tested on.

Answer 1

Because you are limited in your choices of books you are a bit stuck. I do not think it is he hates to read, I believe it is more he hates being smart. Kids today pick on smart kids something VICIOUS. So, by not reading and completeing the work in his accelerated class, he does not look as smart to his peers. He is at the ripe age of peer pressure and this is a stage all kids go through at some point to some degree. That said, here is what I would try doing (not that the other ideas are bad):

First, sit him down and make him pick ALL the books he has to read for the rest of the semester/year. If he has to read two per week then he chooses two per week from the approved book list. It is probably a better idea to break it down into the rest of the first semester and then second semester. If youwant further division, pick long holidays for "BREAKS" from reading these books. Now, this is where parents think I am wrong and professionals and psychologists think I am correct. YOU SHOULD OFFER HIS A REWARD FOR COMPLETING HIS READING!

If you set this up WITH his input it will be more effective. Go into this with a plan of your own so you can keep control but help him think he has the control in his reward system. For instance, maybe you will buy him a book he wants for ever two weeks he completes his book. (you will have to decide how to determine he finished the book even if it means you read it too and dialog with him about it). I have seen parents turn this into a very effective way to get kids to read.

Some examples of rewards -
1. For every week he completes his assignment he gets a "free chore pass"
2. For each book read you will put 50 cents into a "fun fund" that he can have at the end of each term
3. if he completes his readings every two weeks, he gets to choose dinner plans/or can have a friend over night, (whatever he enjoys doing).
4. If he completes his readings over a month, he can have a $5 bonus added to his allowance (or put into savings)
5. If he completes his readings for the year (rest of the year) you will buy him the video game of his choice (set limits if youwish!)

It is even better if you combine the rewards so that he gets a small reward for say a weekly success and a big reward for long term success.

This is but one idea but research has shown that rewards work better than punishment especially in pre-teens and teens. It also says that you trust him to help create his plan for success (even if you have it all worked out and guide him toward your plan covertly!)
If all else fails, call the teacher and see if there are options to the reading list. Even district required reading has options..if the district is any good anyways.

Answer 2

Once he finds a book that interests him he'll strart reading a lot.
You can try bringing him to a library, but if that doesn't work don't despair. I was that way too, I started reading books at the age of 11. I was brought to libraries since I was 7 but nothing seemed to work.

The first thick book that I read was "15 year old Captain" by Julis Verne. You will have to find out what will capture your son's mind the same way this book did for me. Then my Mom had a hard time talking me out of making a career out of my facination with the sea and ships. LOL

I doubt that audiobooks will do the trick - that's just another good way of not having to read, ever. Do it for those boring school books, maybe. But do find somthing better and more exciting that he likes.

Answer 3

I can assure you it's the books they make him read. When I was in school I hated to read because they never gave us anything good, but now I go through at least a book a week. You need to find something he's interested in and let him read that. If you can't then I suggest audio books. Audio books are a great way to get a child to start to want to read, and also it's a great way to build their vocabulary. You can probably get most of the books that the school gives him on audio. The only issue with audio books is the expense, so try your local library or if you must purchase them try the following sites.

Answer 4

Maybe you've already tried this, but find books that will interest him. Let him go to the library and pick books that he will be excited to read. And also, he may not be so into this, but try reading to him. I took a Children's Literature class last semester and my professor said that a good way to get a child interested in books is to read to the child on a regular basis.

Good luck!

Answer 5

I have this problem with my brother. What I did was this: based on the things I know he likes and what he can relate to, I went to the library and Barnes and Noble and picked out books. But don't read with him. The kid is 11, he needs to read on his own. Don't make reading seem like a punishment or something.

Answer 6

just go find books that interest your son. there are many out there that can get your son into reading. convince him how important it is to read also

Answer 7

Try comics! You probably think they are just for kids but many today have very intelligent and mature story lines.

Basically anything that he likes instead of what you think he should like.