My 9-year-old son is a pretty good, but reluctant reader. The only books that keep his interest enough to read are Scary Stories (writteb for children) and other gross books. I don't neccisarily agree with the subject matter of those books, yet I want to encourage him to read. So is it best to allow him to read these, just for the sake of reading?
2007-01-16 09:14:53 · 23 answers · asked by Anonymous in Pregnancy & Parenting ➔ Grade-Schooler
I taught 4th grade, and yes, it is okay - but you are his parent and have the right to object to any book you think is inappropriate. But try to slowly direct him towards other books. I had a lot of boys that liked Captain Underpants. UGH! I hated them! But, there was nothing "bad" about them and they were reading.
I always told my parents that books like that are like junk food. If a child is starving, it is better than nothing, but in a perfect world, you want them to eat a balanced diet.
Let him improve his confidence and fluency with these books, and slowly begin to introduce books that are simliar in genre, but a better quality literature. Ask his teacher for recommendations. I've been a SAH mom, so I'm not sure what authors are currently popluar.
You could even get a book from a series that you think he would enjoy and read it to him aloud at night. He may get caught up enough to keep reading on his own.
You can also read the same book as him so you could talk about what is going on. I've recommended to some parents to keep a journal - he writes in it about the book and you write back.
Good Reading
2007-01-16 11:29:47 · answer #1 · answered by apbanpos 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I think as long as they're age appropriate, it shouldn't be too bad. That's not to say that you can't read them first and make sure it's still appropriate for YOUR child. When it comes right down to it, no one can best decide what is right for your son except you.
However, if you are trying to steer him away from the 'gross' and 'scary' type things, try and make sure you offer him an alternative. There are history and science books in that age group that offer alot of 'gross' things, but they're perfectly acceptable gross things. (CSI books with forensic science references, age-appropriate mysteries, the kids' 'Left Behind' series, etc.).
If you just take away without offering substitutes, or if you tell him the books he's reading aren't any good for him, you could turn him off reading for good and do more harm in the long run than letting him read some scary kiddie stories now.
2007-01-16 17:25:35 · answer #2 · answered by luttibelle 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Years ago my brother had the same problem with his daughter and the only books to keep her interest were those Goosebumps books, after a while she moved on to other books so I would let him read his Scary Stories and eventually he will read other books.
2007-01-16 17:20:39 · answer #3 · answered by Jen G 3 · 2⤊ 0⤋
My 9 year old son is top at reading, I think these are ok as long as the books are aimed at children. Also try Roald Dhal and The lion the witch and the wardrobe, both of which my son loves and he cant put down. If thse books he is reading dont give him nightmares, dont worry too much.
2007-01-16 17:25:40 · answer #4 · answered by The Way 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I think it's just fine if he reads those books. The reading experience outweighs the possible "negative" influence the books might have on him (if any). I'm sure the books aren't nearly as bad as what he sees on t.v., right?
He's a boy...he enjoys the gross stuff...I'd let it be.
2007-01-16 17:21:44 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
Any reading is good reading. My 10 year old son hates to read any sort of books but he love those K-Zone kids magazines. as long as he is reading something Im happy.
2007-01-16 18:54:28 · answer #6 · answered by nazjaydan 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yeah sure, why not.... I do not too many boys that like to read. be happy that he has interest in reading for leisure. As long as the books are close to or at his age group.
2007-01-16 19:19:03 · answer #7 · answered by Jm 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If he likes reading, encourage him. They are meant for kids, and trust me, they are not that bad. Before he gets a book, why not read the back yourself to see if it is appropriate.
2007-01-16 17:27:56 · answer #8 · answered by Popsicle_1989 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Let him read books of his choice. If you take away the one good thing that interests him in reading, you'll be doing a world of damage.
2007-01-16 17:21:03 · answer #9 · answered by mogwai_b4_midnite 4 · 2⤊ 0⤋
if your son is even interested in reading you should be counting your blessings. in todays world we have to deal with illiteracy and unfortunately children just arent interested in reading. i read those kind of books at that age cuz its what interested me...never discourage a child from reading...or you may get them off of it totally.... if he gets too scared he wont read them im sure dont worry about it
2007-01-16 18:15:20 · answer #10 · answered by the quiet one 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋