This summer so far has been busy and I haven't really been able to snuggle down and read any books, even though I do plan on reading a lot of books this summer so for this post I decided that I would talk about a reading issue that is close to my heart.
There is a reading issue that is close to my heart that I know we don't talk about in class, and that is getting kids just starting out in school to read books. The reason this interests me is because I have a nephew who is going to be in 1st grade next year and I know that all this year my family has struggled to get him to pick up a book and read or at least look at the pictures and make up a story. I have been home for a few weeks now and I see reasons why in this day an age that is hard for him. I have noticed that TV is a big distraction for him, and to him reading is boring instead of watching TV where the characters talk and are already made up.
I guess my biggest question about this reading issue is how can my grandparents figure out a way so that my nephew will want to read instead of watch so much TV. I mean I've watched him and many other kids his age not be that entertained by books but more by TV. One idea I thought of was maybe instead of paperback books that I am so fond of and maybe using a kindle. I mean unlike a paperback it has a computer like screen that might seem more interesting to such a young kid.
I see this issue occurring all over the US and the world in general. I mean it isn't like I have been all over the world but I'm sure that there is this issue all over the world. I guess my recommendation is that we as a nation and world need to find ways that we can engage kids in a way that is as interesting as TV.
I have many children of all different ages so, the trouble you are seeing with your nephew sounds familliar. Things to think about. Almost every library has a summer reading program. They have (varies at locations) programs, music, reading contests, prizes, and more. They know the problems facing our youth today so, they are doing a good job of making it exciting for them.
ReplyDeleteAlso, we have found that there are several really great games that incorporate reading skills. maybe start here as a sort of "gateway" to reading.
Also, TV is a habit. If you turn it off, they know how to turn it back on. So, unplug it behind the entertainment center. If he can't get it on he will move on. Maybe you could take him for "dates" to the library once a week. Just him and his Auntie <3
These are all things we have tried too. Sometimes they work and sometimes not...lol
Good Luck with the little guy!
I think you are completely right, reading is becoming a lost hobby. And up until last summer I never read any books, none of them caught my attention. I was assigned books in high school and I might skim through them but never did I read any books because I wanted to. I have to admit I fell victom to the TV and computer. But last summer I read the first page of a book and it caught my attention, so I continued reading it. I read the whole book and I enjoyed it, so I began searching books that were similar and I found several that I truly enjoyed. I guess I don't have any real advice except mayber try to find a book that will grab his attention from the very begining. It might only take one book before he will truly appreciate the stories written in books.
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