My son Curly (8 years old ) is just beginning to figure out how to enjoy reading and how to find book he wants to read independently. He has always been a safe reader often reading books that he feels very confident reading. He has been very close to the Stink series this year. This spring we read Ottoline and the Yellow Cat and he was intrigued. He ended up finishing it on his own and loving it!
Now that summer has started, he is needed guidance and reminding to read. After suggesting a number of titles he snubbed at the library, I caught him reading Geronimo's Valentine before bed. (This was a book he received for Christmas from his Nana.) His "before bed reading" only lasts a few minutes because he is zonked from summer play. So today I told him to grab his book for the car. He was shocked when he realized how far he had read just in the car. I am hoping he will latch on to the car reading. I think the short rides give him short reading sprees that keep him hooked on reading.
After the ride today, I asked him if he likes mysteries since Ottoline and Geronimo are both mystery books. He gave a nod. I also thought about how both books have lots of pictures, maps, and labels throughout. I know Geronimo books and the next Ottoline will keep him occupied but of course we are always looking for other favorites. What is working for your readers?
8 comments:
Hi Katie!
I love hearing about "car reading." All 3 of my kids are voracious readers and I know part of it was letting them find what appeals to them. My oldest is 21 and my youngest is 14, with a 16 year old in the middle. Each of them has their own taste in books and I especially enjoy watching my son who reads lots of different kinds of nonfiction - totally different from me. Oh, how I remember those days of my own kids snubbing what I suggested for them. Now, I just buy them gift cards for the book store. :) Happy Summer Reading!!
Hi Julie!
Good to hear from you. Non-fiction may be up his alley too. Thanks for your comment and your post about Boy Writers. I need to read it!!!
I loved Ottoline too, and finally got some of my third graders interested in it at the end of the year. Did you know the next book comes out this summer? I can't wait!
You might want to check out Dear Max, I think there are three in the series.
I copied this - Starred Review. Grade 2-4–A nine-year-old boy and his favorite author forge a bond in this heartwarming tale. Though they never meet in person, young Max and D.J. Lucas slowly reveal themselves through a year's worth of letters, postcards, and drawings.
Bill-
Yes! I am excited about Ottoline goes to school. I just need to get on line and order. I have been trying to find Ottoline at Sea but there is like one copy in circulation at CML.
Mandy-
I will check this out!!! Thanks!
My second graders really enjoyed the Stuart books -- Stuart's Cape and Stuart Goes to School. They are written by Sara Pennypacker, who also writes the Clementine series (another favorite in my room!).
Annie-
Thanks for the suggestion. I searched online as I am a fan of Sara Pennypacker. I found the Stuart books and realized I read Stuart's Cape a summer or two ago. Thank you for this!!! Good series for Curly and next year!
Annie-
Thanks for the suggestion. I searched online as I am a fan of Sara Pennypacker. I found the Stuart books and realized I read Stuart's Cape a summer or two ago. Thank you for this!!! Good series for Curly and next year!
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