Last month I went to parent teacher conferences perplexed and left with the same questions I started with. In second grade Gage was in a lower reading group (there were four and he was in the third one) and this year he’s in the top reading group and she only wants him reading 4th grade books. Although she acknowledged that he had no interest in reading chapter books. How many 4th grade picture books can you find? I guess it’s good she thinks he smart? Anyhoo, we’re trying, but it’s going so slow. For years I’ve been worried about a reading disability, but have been assured that isn’t the case, and now I’m wondering if it’s an attention problem. They call him the wanderer since he likes to walk around the classroom when his work is done (and sometimes when it isn’t!) 🙂
All of this to say that choosing his books for his yearly advent tree took longer than normal as I tried to find the books she wanted him reading with something that might possibly keep him interested. Also this year, I bought some like new used books as I sorted donations at the library so I was able to do this year way cheaper than in years past. Today’s book is a Scooby Doo book and we’re halfway through (5 chapters) and he’s liking it better than most.
On the shelf below is the Lego advent calendar that is a treat for all the books he’s going to be reading, lol.
Stacy's Books 
My son started reading late and preferred nonfiction books to stories. (Much to my dismay, as I’m the opposite!) He became an avid reader once he felt confident that he could read well. Sounds like your son is just a late bloomer when it comes to reading!
Gage likes non-fiction books better too! I try to mix it up because so many chapter books at this stage are fiction. I hope he can learn to love it as he struggles less.
I think he should read whatever interests him, no matter the level. A lot of kids like to read below their ability. Heck, adults do, too – I personally love a good middle grade book. Anyway, I think the important thing is that he read.
That’s what I think too, but he has to take 2 Accelerated Reading quizzes a week and they have to be for books at a 4th grade level 😦 I did convince her that he should be allowed to read 3rd grade level chapter books until he became comfortable. It’s stressful because I think she is expecting too much.
I’m with Gage and Scooby Doo! LOLOL
I think I’m just as excited since we’re reading it together!
Sometimes it seems to me that school and learning have gotten so very detailed and specific as to certain areas. I’m not sure I would have known books that were 4th grade level as opposed to 3rd grade level when my daughter was young. I’m throwing my voice in with letting kids read what they want to. My daughter was not a reader by choice (still is not all that much). She loves audiobooks now and does most of her reading that way. What about graphic novels? Good luck with everything and I love the advent tree concept!
Happy Holidays Kay! I hate having to keep track of AR levels, but at the same time it does give me some frame of reference as to what they’re expecting from him. I don’t think I’ll have an avid reader, but I’ll keep trying to find interesting choices to stack the deck 🙂
As an educator and a reader I am irritated as all get out. 1) Kids should not be forced to read what is only at their level if you want to create life long readers, which should be the freaking goal. 2) Accelerated Reader while fun and enjoyable for some kids, IS NOT RESEARCH BASED. I am so irritated by this. I have all the swears. I get that as a parent you also have to make sure your kid is doing well in school and get along with the teacher, BUT OH HELLLLLLLLLLLL NO. Let him read what he wants to read.
I have all the swears.
Heeheehee. Thank you for joining me in my frustration! As to the AR levels I get so confused by them We read one of the SkippyJonJones books that was a 4, but had so many Spanish words that I gave up. We are still figuring out the English words in the book! I’m trying to toe the line. Thankfully, that Scooby Doo chapter book might be my first success, so I’m tracking down the rest of the series. Again, I really appreciate your outrage on Gage’s behalf. Makes me feel better too 🙂