“We just don’t like to read as much as you do, Mom.”
I’ve heard this several times (even recently) from both of my sons, particularly my youngest. However, I know differently, and I’m thankful this statement isn’t true.
Both of my sons blow away everyone at school on their AR points — it’s not even close. They are more well-read than I was at their age. They know more about history. They know more about science. Over the years they have read and/or listened to (and I know I’ll miss some important ones):
- the complete Chronicles of Narnia
- at least 5 or 6 Redwall titles
- the complete Harry Potter series
- the complete Chronicles of Prydain
- the complete Artemis Fowl series
- the complete Dark Is Rising series
- the Bartimaeus trilogy
- the Eragon trilogy
- the Inkheart trilogy
- several Newberys (more than I have read)
- all of The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit (2 more than their mother)
- and numerous other titles
So, I’ve often wondered, ‘Why do they say they’re not readers?’ The only reason I can come up with is that it’s ‘uncool’ nowadays to be a reader — especially for boys. They have plenty of other hobbies. One of my sons is into sports and both of them enjoy video games. We’re into sci-fi tv and movies as a family. But, they don’t want to admit that they’re readers. No matter. I know the truth, and I consider reading to be one of the best values we’ve instilled into our children. As far as I know, there is no magical formula to turn kids into readers. And though it won’t be practical for most, the following is what we did to help that goal along.
When we made the decision to homeschool, I also made the decision to try to turn my sons onto reading. They had always enjoyed my husband or I reading to them, but they hadn’t really picked up the habit on their own. So, I ‘encouraged’ (forced) them to read for 1.5 hours per day. Sound unreasonable? Not really. One half hour was for reading fiction, another half hour for history written in a fictional style (thank you H.A. Guerber and Christine Miller), and another half hour was for reading about science (thank you Jeannie Fulbright). It wasn’t all at once, unless they preferred it, and oftentimes they would extend the time of one or all sessions by their own choosing.
We don’t homeschool anymore (though I am wistful of those precious days), and my kids go to public school now, but despite what they say, they ARE readers, even if it’s uncool to admit it. And I’m thankful. So thankful.
Yup. Seen that recently, with my kid cousin. It’s bizarre, as I used to be so proud and literally boast about reading. Days I read more than a book were the best!
UncertainPrinciples, I used to boast, too, so it’s hard for me to understand!
That you and your husband have taught your sons to be readers IS quite an accomplishment
I flew through books as a kid and even as a teenager, I read the complete Girl Talk series and the Babysitters Club, as well as Goosebumps. My younger sister on the other hand, not so much.
Katie, I’m lucky in that my whole family reads!
I think it really depends on the individual, but boys in general tend to think reading or doing well in school is uncool. My eldest hated to admit that he loved to read, when he was younger. But, now, he appreciates the fact that he can converse intelligently about books.
My youngest son, on the other hand, was given the nickname “Books” in junior high and he thought that was great. He’s never had any problem admitting that he’s an avid reader. Plus, the nickname made him laugh. “It’s so much better than a lot of other names people could give me,” he said.
Congratulations on turning your boys into readers. Reading is a joy you know they’ll carry with them for life.
Nancy, he’s right — it’s a great nickname.
I know my kids will appreciate it and (even admit to it) when they’re older.
That is a really great accomplishment really!
I have seen boys, and they never flaunt the fact that they are well-read
Congratulations
Veens, most boys are that way. I boasted about all my reading discoveries!
I read a lot when I was younger, but I didn’t really like what there was to offer… Kids are so lucky today. I like young adult fiction better now than when it was my age range. If I hadn’t had Lewis, Tolkien, and Madeleine L’Engle I would have skipped that age range entirely!
I have to say… was it ever cool to read? I read at a higher level than my classmates for years. I thought it was cool in about the second grade, but then I tried to hide it because I didn’t like the extra attention. The teachers caught on when I was in junior high, though, and singled me out again.
At least you read. Neither of my parents are big readers, so I had a REALLY hard time getting ‘good’ books when I was younger. My mother would maybe know who Lewis and Tolkien are on your list. I suppose she would recognize Harry Potter, too, but when I was your sons’ age she wouldn’t have a clue what I was reading. I demanded gift certificates at a young age and never looked back.
Kailana, kids ARE lucky today. You are so right!
My parents were both readers and we always had books in the house. The problem was I lived in such a small rural community that access was the problem. No amazon.com then, of course. We didn’t even have a bookstore in town, either!
That’s the way it is with boys I think. My 20 yr old was homeschooled all the way through and he read a lot, but would never admit he liked reading. Though he never complained about any of his reading assignments (and he read books for fun like boxcar children when he was young and Redwall when he was older, then classic sci-fi) any time he was asked if he liked to read he’d say “No, I hate reading.” But I knew better. But now he’s grown-up he doesn’t read. Sure he comes over here occassionally for a book, though I never get them back and he never seems to finish them. But just a few nights ago he said “you know mom, I’m a reader, I just don’t happen to read right now” Well, FINALLY, at least he admits he’s a reader!
Nicola, your last 2 sentences made me laugh. Boys!
That is awesome. Neither of my parents are very big readers, nor my sister, so I’m wondering where I got the reading bug. I think it’s because my mom always took me to the library to get me out of the house before I was of school age. I still get the chills when I walk into a library; they’re the most magical places in the world.