My ds is reading at about a 3rd grade level. We don't have a set plan for increasing his reading skill. So what should I do. I have him read to me for about 5-10 minutes before bed, a book of his choice. I try to get him to read some tougher material to me. But he seems to be reading fine, nothing sticks out as a problem for him to sound out or anything. I ask him some questions and he can answer them. He reads all the time by himself. He read a chapter book for the first time the other day ( it had 70 pages and he read it in 2 days I checked and it was "rated" as a 3.5 level) But he doesn't want to read unless it has pictures etc. He is only 6. So what do I do next. I was planning on using spelling power (or all about spelling I get them confused as to which one I am going to use) We have FLL for grammar. I feel like he should be doing worksheets or something, because that is what they would do in PS, but we are not in PS!
That's right, you are not in the public school! YOU don't have to do what they do in the public school! If you're comfortable with what he can do, fine! Another choice is to get a Literature Guide. I like "Inside Stories". That way, he can read some "real" books, do vocab, and answer comprehension questions on them. http://www.paperbackswap.com/Inside-Stories-Study-Janice-Montgomery/book/1593630778/
You continue to let him read!!! I LOVE THAT!!!! Some books my son really enjoyed - and still does even though he's starting to pick chapter books without pictures! OH MY!!!! - Horrible Harry Books Magic Schoolbus Chapter Books (there are about 20 of them I think) Nate the Great - although I was pretty selective about the ones of these he read A to Z Mysteries Captain Underpants (okay, many say this is not good reading, but, well, they are funny, and they are boy humor!!!) Ricky Ricotta's Mighty Robot - these are AWESOME about sneaking in facts about the planets!!! I think that's it! If I think of more, I'll let you know.
my 6 yo recently discovered that he loves Geronimo Stilton books...those should do well for a 3rd grader
I would just continue to explore reading books he enjoys. You don't need worksheets. I would add a spelling program if he is done with phonics. Here is a list of reading books I put together for my son. Many of them are 3rd grade level. I've listed the reading level next to each book.
Great!! Thanks for the encouragement. I will check out those links you all have listed. Embassy I have already used your book list from another thread! I love it. I hate our library web page it is so hard to reserve books, and with the LO I don't have time to search and find the ones they have. (gripe gripe gripe...) Krista thanks for those suggestions. I forgot about captain underpants. My ds loves Calvin and Hobbes ( I don't think it is great for him, but it has gotten him reading). I will check out some of the other ones. He is reading Huckleberry Finn right now, and wants to build a raft. LOL
I wouldn't worry about worksheets. I think what he is doing is great. ps. I still prefer books with pictures. I love to read and see what I am reading about.
I have a list of what my kids did for each grade on my familyd.50megs.com website. You can look there for reading ideas and such.
I think there is somebody in my library who is trying to drive me insane. I looked up the books I wanted then the next day I went to get them, and out of 10 books 4 were checked out that morning!!! What is the deal. We can't reserve them online with out paying a fee. so I just make a list an pick them up. Captain underpants was one of them. It is a new to the library book and somebody had just checked it out
Not that you have forgotten, but we all could do well to remember that kids often don't progress in a steady climb in levels, but very often as a series of plateaus - and sometimes with big jumps and sometimes with small steps from one plateau to another.
HOW TERRIBLE!!! I'd go broke if I had to pay for every book I reserved on-line!!! Can you physically go in and have the librarian do it without being charged?
Lindina, thanks for the reminder, I just get a little nervous when I don't see gains. I know that he went from not reading to 3rd grade level in on summer. Now it has been a year and he has only increased a little bit. I know that he is just learning other things, and it is a huge jump to start reading. I think it is normal for him, and he will increase as his ability to increases, without me doing much other then listening to him and making sure he is reading well. Jackie, if I take my list in, they will just tell me to find the books myself. LOL
No, what I mean is, if you physically go in and the book isn't there, will they reserve it for you without charging? I'm blessed with really wonderful children's librarians who are constantly making recommendations and encouraging Phillip especially.