Aug 4, 2015 by Yolanda Fontanez-Coleman | Reading
“This book is boring, I can’t get into it!” Have you ever heard your child say these words? Well my daughter said these very words the other day referring to her summer reading book, Abby Carnelia’s One and Only Magical Power by David Pogue. She is a rising 6th grader, a good reader, but not an avid reader. She selected this book after hours of reviewing all of the books on the list.
I was a little annoyed because she has been procrastinating with this book. She had no trouble this summer reading book 4 of The Land of Stories series or the other 2 books she read this summer. I needed to figure out what was going on! I’m ok with switching books, or finding one that suits your interest or personality however I needed to understand why this book was so boring.
I asked her to give it to me so I can read some of it. I began reading the book aloud, she stood next to me while I read, however within 2 minutes she was cuddled next to me listening very attentively. After a few pages we were both laughing and fully engaged in the story. Even my 7 year old was listening, fully captivated and cuddled on the other side of me.
I continued to read the book up until chapter 3, at which time I closed the book and said, “Yeah this is so boring, not sure why we were laughing so much!” She looked at me and said, “Actually Mom it’s not so boring after all!” She took the book and left the room to continue reading another 5 chapters on her own that evening.
So what changed for my daughter?
Reading with your child can make a HUGE difference. While reading I stopped asked questions and ignited discussions about the story. I also read with expression and excitement. I made connections with the characters and story. My goal was to bring the story to life for her and try to make her feel connected to the story and characters. The author made it somewhat easy as it is a very enjoyable book and is relatable to this generation of middle schoolers.
There will come a time when you will hear your child say, “This book is boring” or “ I can’t get into this book!” Don’t give up! Read a little with them, you may learn something and you may give them the jumpstart they need to get into a new story!
Happy Reading!