So how do we get from hamster cage to college success? We’re working on it a little bit at a time. My current method reminds me of the approach some parents take to get their kiddos to eat vegetables. They puree the veggies and sneak them into the yummy mac-n-cheese. With my Challenger I can set a whole plate of spinach in front of her and she will say YUM! But ask her to read a chapter book and I get a definite YUCK! I am not eating that! I have to rethink how to feed this beautiful little mind of hers.
Here’s what we’ve done so far to “puree” reading for my
Challenger. It’s an approach that takes no advanced planning but lots of
patience and lots of attention to daily life and the opportunities that just
pop up. Here are the everyday, and some not so everyday, things we do to get my
daughter reading for information.
- The
internet. This is not my favorite because it always leads to a discussion
of what we can and cannot buy. But
it does work. My daughter loves to research how to spend her allowance.
This involves searching, reading product details, and sometimes product
reviews.
- Television. It might not surprise you that my
Challenger loves to watch TV. The good news. . . with the guide feature of
cable and satellite there is a written summary of each show. She likes to read
and find out what her “Little Ponies” will be up to today.
- Toy
directions. Not an everyday occurrence
but a lot of reading involved. She wanted to build an island to match her
favorite TV show. We went to Michaels and bought a kit. There were 11
steps in the directions; each step was multiple paragraphs long. It felt
like a chapter book as we watched the island come to life with each step.
- Little
things. Checking the weather on the
phone, reading menus at restaurants, and signs or maps when we go out and
about.
- Play
acting. Our local elementary
library is open on Wednesdays. The leader is so clever. She has the kids
put on puppet shows. How does she puree? They have to read a script. But
they love doing the show so much that they don’t even notice they’re
reading. They also read and perform jokes. Sometimes they do magic! It’s
definitely magical in more ways than one and we go home thrilled! Check
your local library for free programs where books come to life.
- Reading recipes. Last but not least and this one is probably my favorite. Thank you to Grandma! You can’t make chocolate chip pancakes without reading the Bisquick box. Can you think of a better reason to read for information?
These are just a few of the ideas I am working with to feed my
Challenger. But there are more ideas out
there. Have fun pureeing your reading!
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