3 year old wants to read ALL the time

[mummy2jess]

my little boy is about to turn three. He has had problems at nursery because he wouldnt join in art an craft sessions etc and its true he HATES art etc and will not do it at all of he can help it.
BUT recently he has become fixated with reading! from the time he gest up to the time he goes to bed he is asking me to read to him which pleased me at first because I know he has problems listening sometimes BUT its got to the point now where my voice is going by the end of the day through the amount of reading im doing - and I am really starting to hate some of his books lol

is it normal for a child to want to read this much??what can i di to help him enjoy other things as well?

sophie

[SagMom]

A couple of my kids were like this. It's great that your dd loves reading so much.

You might check your library for books on tape--ours has a large selection of picture books with accompanying tapes so kids can either listen or read along.

Or, you could record your own.

Are there older kids in the neighborhood, grandparents or other relatives, or hsers around who would be willing to read with him?

[karemore]

My DD was like this too. We still read countless times a day, but she's much more into independent play now so I get a break.

I second getting others to help read. Go to storytime at the library, get anyone you can to read to him and try the books on tape. And absolutely stock up on library books.

It makes you nuts if you have to read the same books over and over. There are SO many fantastic books out there, and the more different books you read, the more background knowledge he'll gain, and the better vocabulary he'll have for when he reads on his own.

[AmyB736]

Books on tape are a great idea...most kids love them! And I was just reading a book that recommended getting a tape recorder and recording your own voice on there reading their favorite books. I've was thinking about doing this and your post reminded me!

[SagMom]

Originally Posted by karemore

It makes you nuts if you have to read the same books over and over. There are SO many fantastic books out there, and the more different books you read, the more background knowledge he'll gain, and the better vocabulary he'll have for when he reads on his own.

While I agree with this, I wanted to add that it seems really important to kids at a particular stage to read the same things over and over. I think the repetition of known stories helps them to connect the words on the page to what's being spoken.

There were definitely books that I was glad to be done with, otoh, whenever we go through our books to clean out and give away, there are certain ones that *I* can never part with--like Harold and the Purple Crayon who's cover is worn soft and who's words I have memorized because I'd read them so many times to my ds (who is now 18!) And it now carries such sweet memories for me. So, maybe you can find some books that you'll both like to read again and again.

[JoyMC]

Originally Posted by SagMom

While I agree with this, I wanted to add that it seems really important to kids at a particular stage to read the same things over and over. I think the repetition of known stories helps them to connect the words on the page to what's being spoken.

yes. it also helps them gain complete mastery over something. sometimes my daughter asks me questions about books that she asks me every time i read the book and sometimes i ask her the question back and she gives me the word for word answer i usually give. but most of the time i just answer her question, b/c it gives them a sense of accomplishment to ask you a question (or hear a familiar story) and hear the answer and think "i knew that!"

anyway, my daughter is 3.5 and has been obsessive about reading since she was tiny. we seriously read 5 or 6 hours a day. she wants NOTHING to do with books on tape, either. but my husband relieves me as soon as he gets home from work, and fortunately i was trained as a classical actor. good use for my very expensive education.

we get a LOT of books from the library, to help mix it up. i wouldn't worry too much about helping him enjoy other things. that will come in time. but do give yourself breaks. we read a LOT. but if my voice is getting weary, or i am crazy sick of a certain book, or just have been reading for two hours straight, i will say, "I need a reading break" and get up and start doing something else for a few minutes. sometimes she joins me, and sometimes she just sits there with the books and waits for me to revive and come back.

good luck!

[Lillian J]

Also check out some of the wonderful free audio resources online. One that boggles my mind is Kiddie Records Weekly - Classics from the Golden Age: "Fabulous forgotten treasures - children's records from the early 40s and 50s, including many classic stories, some of which were extravagant Hollywood productions. Downloadable to listen to FREE." And there are lots of others - here's a thread on online audio recordings: What are your favorite free audio resources?. But I think it would be lovely to also record yourself reading some of his favorite stories, so that he can listen while turning pages and looking at the pictures - and those could even become keepsakes. Lillian

[mummy2jess]

thanks I will have a look at audiobooks and see if he is into them!
I feel awful complaining about it but I am not known for my patience so sitting reading "mr big" (that is his fav book) make me want to gently tear out my own hair after about 10 read throughs.

[MamaMonica]

One of mine was/is like that! It can be exahausting! It is normal for some kids.

[Redheaded_Momma]

Lillian J~~OMgoodness this site is awesome! I cannot wait to share w/my 3yo book loving DS.

[Lillian J]

Originally Posted by Redheaded_Momma

Lillian J~~OMgoodness this site is awesome! I cannot wait to share w/my 3yo book loving DS.

Isn't it amazing?! I keep thinking I want to download some stuff to listen to while I'm painting or whatever - it was so well done in that era! Lillian

[Geerbabe]

This is perfect timing! I was just thinking nostalgically of the records I used to listen to at my grandma's house and wishing that my children could enjoy those same stories. The Kiddie Records Weekly is a goldmine!

[momo7]

WOW! That is awsome. Put a book in your child's hands everytime you have a chance. He's off to a great start. Don't worry...I have never heard of a child becoming dumb because they read too much.