Books - Ideas for adding readers for a struggling reader?

[shannon]

I am getting ready to order Adventures and 1st for my 8 and 6yo. My 8 year old really struggles with reading, and I feel like he needs to be reading every day so that he can improve.

I know that the 1st grade has the bible reader. But I don't want him to feel like he is doing the same thing as his sister, because he already feels bad about being behind.

Can anyone suggest some type of readers for him? We have the little bob books and such, but I think he needs something more. Thanks so much!

[cbollin]

The first idea that comes to mind is to wait until you get the ADV manual. You'll find a list of books that are recommended for General Reading (i.e. Readers). MFW encourages library use to keep the cost down so, that's why you don't have a 'reader' set included. Also, children will be at different levels of reading and you have more flexibility to work with. The General Reading list will include easy readers, pictures books and then chapter books for when YOUR child is ready. It's better to build confidence with books that are fun and at or below reading level rather than to struggle with something that is higher. The list has several ideas of books that are considered classics in children's literature.

And also, reading is scheduled daily in MFW, so it's nice to know it's in the grid, it's just a matter of what books to select.

Also, are you getting Honey for a Child's Heart (from 1st grade deluxe package)? That will help you with lots of suggestions for all levels of reading list.

Some of the books in the ADV basic package may work well as readers even if it is not necessarily designed to be used that way.

He could read the 1st grade Bible reader without it being assigned. My girls still read from it. It stays in "book basket".

There is another list in the ADV manual called book basket. First grade has a list of books as well. My point is that there are some resource lists to work from in addition to whatever great ideas the other ladies have.

[Lucy]

Just dittoing Crystals thoughts about the resource list in the T.M.'s as well as Honey for A Child'd heart. If he has all of his phonics he probably just needs lots of practice for it to all come together for him.

Lucy

[southernshae]

First, I think ADV is going to be a great year to be able to find readers at many levels to coordinate with your history.....our library had many, many of the books from the booklist in back of the TM.

Second, I do have a suggestion for a "reader" that might be beneficial for your ds and would mesh quite well with ADV. First Reader by Phyllis Schlafly is a spiral bound "reader" with large print type for beginning readers. It is full of classic fables (ex. The Lion and the Mouse , nursery rhymes , classic poetry (ex. All Things Bright and Beautiful), and a few patriotic selections (America). There are references to God and church in the reader, too. You could easily use this for copywork as well. I only mention this reader b/c you didn't mention doing a phonics course with your ds and you said he is behind......only you really know if he needs it, though. THis reader systematically goes through all of the sounds. Each "lesson" starts with a word list to work through , then the child reads sentences or stories (or poems). There is also a test you can give your dc at the end.

I used MFW1 and my ds loved the Bible reader, though I can certainly understand your concern about your ds not wanting to do the same thing as your dd.

I think this, coupled with books from book basket (like Crystal said, they're listed at the back of the TM), might be a great plan for your ds.

ADV is a great, fun year!!

Southernshae

[niki]

I had a struggling reader too.

I added a lot of the early/easy readers from our library (not necessarily on the list for book basket) and she would choose to read from these...it built confidence and the idea that reading is FUN, not just "work" all the time. She is becoming a great reader and has had her hands on a few chapter books (just read Helen Keller - I was THRILLED).

But because she needs the added push - to challenge herself and build those skills, along with book basket - at a separate time, I do give her a reader that's more of a challenge - but one that she loves. She is reading the Nature Readers from Christian Liberty Press, they are GREAT! She was doing the 1st grade one as a 2nd grader...and she would read the chapter and tell me a thing or two that she learned, usually she would be so excited she'd tell me and read parts to me!

Just my 2 cents. :) The Lord WILL bless your effort, put it before Him and start moving forward!!!

[Toni@homezcool4us]

There are books at the library that have a page for the parent to read and then an easier, larger print page for the child to read. I can't think of the name of the series but your librarian should know.

Also, check out Starfall.com.

[AHCJ1996]

You might check your library for one of these books. Both have helpful reading lists. Reading repetitive books can build up confidence (Like Brown, Bear, Brown Bear by Bill Martin, Jr.).

Teach a child to read with children's books by Mark Thogmartin

The Read aloud handbook by Jim Trelease