8yo not reading/dh very upset. Resources or suggestions? - Page 2

[jeteaa]

Great thread. I have a 6.5 yr old reluctant reader. This is one of the first eye opening reading threads I've read. I really just assumed that if we read to her, had age appropriate reading material around the house, visited the library often and "help" her sound out words when she asks "what does this say", that she would have learned how to read by now. I think it is about time to face the idea that my dd1 needs to be taught how to read rather then her just "getting it". However, I really can't imagine that there is some magical program or method out there that she will really enjoy doing when she doesn't even want to try to sound out simple sight words. Yes, she has been evaluated by a teacher for any learning disabilities and no she doesn't need glasses. I think I just have a very stubborn child who doesn't want anything to do with reading at all. Now I have to decide if I'm OK with this, what will the future hold, is my not forcing her to try to learn how to read damaging her? 

[TAKLinda]

Sorry Lillian j but I disagree that there is no one-way to teach reading.  I have worked with dyslexic, ADHD, low IQ (adult and children) and struggling students for years, teaching them to read using decoding word lists and highlighters has worded for ALL of them.

Now if there was just one-way to teach math, I would be a very happy teacher.
Linda.

[sbgrace]

We used I See Sam successfully here too. There is a yahoo group for those using those readers with reading tutors who participate. They were a great help to me personally with all questions and concerns so I thought I'd link for you in case you decide to use them.

I would make sure there aren't signs of either dyslexia (http://www.dys-add.com/symptoms.html) or a visual processing issue (http://www.covd.org/) It may be just a matter of direct instruction of course.

[Lillian J]

Originally Posted by TAKLinda 

Sorry Lillian j but I disagree that there is no one-way to teach reading.  I have worked with dyslexic, ADHD, low IQ (adult and children) and struggling students for years, teaching them to read using decoding word lists and highlighters has worded for ALL of them.

Now if there was just one-way to teach math, I would be a very happy teacher.
Linda.

It's great that it's worked for so many children, Linda - but I can't buy that it's the one way. I started homeschooling 20 years ago, have heard a lot of stories over the years about what's worked for various children, and I've seen reported over and over that different children learn to read differently, often even within the same family. I can certainly see it being a powerful tool/technique, but just not the one way, because there are just such different ways in which individual children, with their unique learning styles, learn best/easiest. 

Lillian

[purslaine]

Jeteaa....I would do some research on when is an average age to learn to read. I would look at other countries as well - I think the USA has an early push for reading that I am not overly comfortable with.  It may very well be that it is typical that a 6.5 year old cannot read.

This is what I would do with a 6 yr old non reader (and I am unschooly)

1.  If she wanted to learn to read, I would facilitate that.  I have no issues with asking a child if they want to learn to read.

2.  If she is resistant to the idea, I would do some research.  I would also listen to my mother intuition.  If I came to the conclusion that it was OK for my DD to not be reading at this age, I would let it go for another 6 months or so, then reassess.  OTOH, if my research showed most 6 years olds can read, and either I or she were developing anxiety around reading, I would try to nip it in the bud.  I have seen power struggles over reading and it is not a pretty thing.  I think actively teaching a child to read is better than waiting around with high anxiety for "them to get it"