Children wanting to read books that are too challenging

[NoraC]

I have two children who have become avid independent readers recently (one in Grade 2, one in Senior K). We have a lot of books at home because I love books and so a variety of types/levels. They both seem to like to choose books that are beyond their abilities (either a little bit or sometimes a lot). So in some cases, they might choose a book where if they were reading aloud to me, they'd have trouble with every five or six words. But these are books they are choosing to read on their own and they aren't asking for help.

Part of me says let them choose what they want...it's not for school...it's for their own enjoyment. It doesn't matter if they don't get everything since they'll probably read it again later and pick up more next time. Another part of me thinks I should encourage them to read things that are only a bit challenging for them so they actually get more out of the books.

They don't seem frustrated by not getting it all...so should I not worry about it and let them choose what interests them?

[limabean]

Yes, I think as long as they're not feeling frustrated it's fine to just let them choose, or offer to read to them sometimes in addition to their independent reading.

[ollyoxenfree]

It sounds like you've got some terrific readers - how nice! I would let them choose what they want to read. I haven't known children to persist with a book that was truly too challenging - they lose interest and put it aside. If they are reading independently, I'd just make sure there were plenty of options in a wide range for them, from picture books to early chapter books. I'd continue with family read-alouds too, so that they get an enjoyable and wide exposure to different stories.

[Alyantavid]

I let my kids pick whatever they want. Usually with my oldest, he'll try but rarely gets through books that are way beyond him. When he does read books for school, they're so easy he just flips right through them, so I think letting him challenge himself a little is a good thing.

[moonlitemama]

My boys were avid early readers and I've always let them guide themselves to what they read. My eldest had read the entire Harry Potter series before K. Did he "get" all of it? Probably not, but it was surprising how much he did understand. He is an absolutely voracious reader and I think allowing him the freedom to read whatever strikes his fancy helps with this.

[NoraC]

Thanks for all the comments. I will not worry overly much about what they're choosing and continue to let them enjoy. We still do lots of read alouds and perhaps this is why they like to choose the more challenging books. My oldest will want to keep on reading a book that we've started together which she isn't quite ready to read on her own.

It's great that they enjoy reading though....And it's lovely when I see them reading for their younger sister or for each other. So cute!!

[LynnS6]

Let them choose. They'll learn a lot through context. If they're reading for pleasure, that's all you need to worry about.

Our dd is like that But it's what she wants to read, so I let it go. There are times at school when she's forced to slow down and focus on the details, but for now, if she wants to read the Boxcar Children rather than Cam Jansen, who am I to complain?

[lucysmom]

Originally Posted by NoraC

They don't seem frustrated by not getting it all...so should I not worry about it and let them choose what interests them?

Heck yeah!!

[cedoreilly]

I have this issue with my DD because she wants to read what her friends are reading. Most of the time, she just wants to prove to herself that she can "read" them and I let her. I look at it as any reading done is better than none.

[Super~Single~Mama]

Definitely let them choose their own stuff!! My mom is a librarian, and so when I was growing up I was constantly "stealing" the books she would be reading for work. She never discouraged me from reading, and now my reading comprehension is off the charts! Your kids will be too if they keep it up!!

[redpajama]

Yep, I'd let them read what they want. I think it's great that they feel comfortable and confident trying things that might be a little beyond their current ability level, and if they aren't getting upset or frustrated, I would just let them enjoy the books for whatever they are getting out of them now.