Now at school-going age, it is a challenge to cultivate a reader let alone an avid one. But I want to take up this challenge because it is that important despite the fact that boys tend to read less than girls. I'm still exploring and I think the key lies in interest. The content matters, be it fiction or non-fiction.
Last year, Zech started reading early reader books, which sustained his attention. I noticed at Zech's age, children can recognize and read a wide range of vocabulary so it's not so much about the difficulty level of the books. But how can kids continue to read for more than 5 minutes on their own with books that contain more words than pictures? The early readers serve as a bridge, linking picture books to chapter books.
This year, I introduced more Roald Dahl books to Zech. Previously, I had read 'Charlie and the Chocolate Factory' to him.
Zech started reading 'Fantastic Mr Fox', then 'The Twits' and now he's reading 'The Giraffe and the Pelly and Me'.
When Zech was reading 'Fantastic Mr Fox', he wasn't that keen. He read aloud to me almost every night. Towards the end as the plot reaches the climax, he was more motivated. However with 'The Twits', Zech was very willing to read the book independently in school and has moved on faster than our read aloud session at night. To make sure he understood what he read, I asked him to either reread to me or summarise the chapter for me. Now he's reading 'The Giraffe and the Pelly and Me'. He started on his own, using the silent reading time in school. I was surprised when he voluntarily shared what he read with me. I guess the story must be captivating. I've not read this book before so in a way, I'm reading along with him. Recently, I noticed Popular promoting Roald Dahl books, selling $13 per copy. Bookdepository offers a better price, selling about $8 to $9 a copy. I've placed an order for a few more books to be added to Zech's reading list this year.
On his own, Zech has continued to read picture books and other non-fiction books. He has been borrowing regularly from the school library, much to my delight. In my reading plan with him, I want to introduce other classics to him. I was thrilled to find these at the library. They are great starters! So easy to read Zech completed the book within 15 minutes.
Recently, Zech read a local poetry book given as a Christmas present by a friend. Initially, I just wanted him to practice reading poems aloud since poetry recitation is a test component this term. Surprisingly, he was at this book for a couple of nights and even said his favourite poem was 'Ah Seng'.
Reading different genres is great exposure to children. Fiction, non-fiction, poetry etc. provide a wealth of vocabulary and transport them beyond their world, helping them put on other perspectives into the lives of others so different from them.
I find myself as a mother always searching for good books to introduce to Zech. I'd love to have him grow up in the wonderful world of stories, a faraway land I immersed myself in when I was a child. It is a privilege to read and to learn. From the timeless tales of old to realistic fiction, from Bible stories to the truth found in the Word, it is important to read well and acquire a healthy reading diet. There's no better time than now. I think the next challenge is to motivate Zech to read the Bible independently.
