how do I get my son to read?

Question

9 year old

Answer 1

I think the big thing at this age is that it's scheduled into your day. Have him keep a reading journal where he records the book he's reading, the page number he's on, and how long he reads. Set up a reward system if you really want to encourage him. For every 100 minutes he reads, he gets a priveledge or ice cream -whatever he finds rewarding. He could save minutes to earn something really special. I think at this age you can expect him to read 15-30 minutes a day - in addition to his homework. Best of luck to you!

Answer 2

Today kids have Nintendo, Nick at night, etc. Reading is usually the last thing they want to do....soooo... you have to make it a priority in your house. The best way to do it is by example. Most kids that age love to read to their mom if they are a boy. Let him read to you for say, half a chapter, then let him read the rest of the chapter by himself. Let him help pick the book, and set aside quiet time every evening. It can be right before bedtime, or you can call it "pleasurable reading time" right after homework. Learning to read, and to read out loud are valuable assets to grow up with. Make him get excited about reading. You know the book is always better than the movie! Let him learn that too. Read the book, then watch the movies together. This will also bring you two closer, as you share a common interest. Good luck, as I know you will get other good ideas..

Answer 3

I have a bunch of things that work for me... and my daughter has a reading disability, so it was a huge fight to get her to read.

#1.Set aside some time in the evening... maybe a half hour called "everybody read". Then you can decide what to do with this time... read together? ...each his or her own book? ...listen to a book on tape? etc. If there is no tv or games or anything else at this time - he will read. You also model reading at this time... and children do as they see.

#2.Find books that he would like to read. Harry Potter? The Indian in the Cupboard? R.L. Stein? C.S. Lewis? and read them together.

#3. Make a deal to see the movie together if you read the book first.

#4. Positive reinforcement. Maybe starting small, like some gum on a night when he read with no fights, a yo-yo when he finishes his first novel, a bigger prize to work toward (a new video game, etc.)

#5 Celebrate any success - even if it starts with little books, magazines or Archie comics... he will grow and mature into other books.

Answer 4

When I was younger, we had a rule. Bedtime was 8:00PM, however it could be extended to 8:30 PM. The only activity I was allowed to do during that time was reading. Otherwise I went to bed at 8:00. My mom would make sure I was all ready for bed, she would tuck me in and let me keep the light on for an additional 30 minutes, but only to read. I love to read now, and I have loved reading for as long as I can remember. Maybe you should give it a try. I plan on doing the same thing with my children when they are older. Also, I agree with other folks when they recommended your child see you enjoying a good book every now and then.

Answer 5

All good answers so far. :o)

Many kids who don't read don't like it because it's too hard.

English is a stupid nonsensical language. For example, what does "ghoti" say? "Obviously" ...it says "fish".
- GH as in enouGH (f)
- O as in wOmen (i)
- TI as in moTIon (sh)
No wonder people have trouble reading English!!

Make sure he has the basics. Practice with him every day:
1 - reading letters and the SOUND they make, not their name ("a" as in cat, not as in bake, "b" as in ball, not "bee");
2 - sight words - these are commonly used words but many of them can't be sounded out as the spelling just doesn't make sense. Google "Dolch Sight Word List" for a start.

You might like a sticker chart or other bribe ... I mean reward!... to record every day that he practices these things.

"Letterland" is a wonderful program that explains blends to children. For example, Harry Hatman (h) likes quiet, but Sammy Snake (s) always says SSSSSS. So when S and H get together you hear "sh" (Harry telling Sammy to shush!).

After that, do find books about things he likes, and do make time to read every day. Enjoy reading with him (even if you don't!). Read everywhere - road signs, labels, instructions... and praise his efforts.

At the age of 9 he should have made a start, so you may also like to get him assessed for learning difficulties. Ask his teacher how to go about that.

Answer 6

i brought my two kids to the local library and apply them to get a card, then i told them to just get 3 books they can read for the whole week and then requested them to read it and give me the summary of the 3 books they have read in writing before we all return the books and they are rewarded for it! my 2 kids are grown up now and they both write very well and always read novels and other books on their free time and its nice to discuss things that they read and every thing under the sun..... it takes them away from watching too much tv then except of course some sport and current events...oh my grandson who is five is also starting to show some good attitude towards reading, he has his own library card now, too!

Answer 7

Find out about what he likes. Buy comic books... especially graphic novels. A lot of boys like to read non-fiction stuff, Guinness Book of World Records, How boats are built etc.

Answer 8

Comic books
Trip to the book store/library so he can choose books
Books about his favorite tv/movie characters.

Why does he not like to read? Make sure he does not have difficulty reading or something like dyslexia.

Answer 9

does he see you reading? or just staring at the computer/tv all day...read a book with him. pick a chapter book that he'd really enjoy, and read one chapter everyday...then talk about w/ him what you think will happen next, or why he thinks such-in-such happened...give rewards, for every book he reads..let him have something he'd like- a dollar, a pack of baseball cards, extra time outside...

Answer 10

Reading is EVERYWHERE! Cook with him, shop with him, play role playing video games, play word bingo while driving and reading bilboards, have penpals or write family members, instant message him from your computer while he is on his, have the captions on while watching television, find science projects, do webquests... Basically, think outside the box. :)