HEM’s Questions & Answers
Late Reader
We’re relaxed homeschoolers but I can’t relax about my son’s inability to read. He’s going to be 10 this winter. Yes, I’ve read to him since he was young. Yes, I’ve tried all sorts of methods. And yes, I continue to sit with him to write and sound out words. I not only worry about his learning but also his self-esteem now that his younger sister is reading easily. If parents of late readers have any suggestions, I’m open. Jennifer Y.
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My son, now 17, was also a late reader. And I was nervous, too. But for him, the code clicked when he was motivated to figure out a video game guide. He knew enough about the game beforehand, so he could more easily decipher the associated words. Ask your son what interests him. Maybe read about a topic that he already knows alot about and enjoys. The words will fall into place.
He’ll be “ready” when sufficiently motivated to explore something he likes! My son learned to read using the onomatopoeia in Tintin books, such as when Tintin’s dog Snowy croons, “Whhhaaaaaaoooooooo!” You can begin by reading a Tintin together, letting him see the cartoon balloons of words and following them with your finger, lingering on the “Ack!” or “Ptuiii!” Soon he will be happily crowing “Billions of blue blistering barnacles!” with Captain Haddock.
I don’t have a late reader but I do have a boy that was reading comic books and graphic novels until a month ago. A lot of boys are visual learners and like plenty of pictures in their books. He would also read books below his level because they had pictures. The more you press him to do it and get stressed out about it the more he may resist. Let it go for a bit. He is still learning and like it was said above one day it will just “click” for him. Also you could rent movies of books that he really likes. Until I watched Anna Karenina I wasn’t interested in reading it at all. Also Storyline Online has famous actors and actresses that read to you. It’s really fantastic and my son loved it.
Last thing, you’re doing just fine. If all he wants is to listen maybe he is an auditory learner. At the library you might be able to get the CD book kits, which have the book on CD or tape and the book to “read” along.
You’re doing great. Just take a deep breath and remember that just because you can’t see progress, doesn’t mean it isn’t there. Just you wait! Success is just around the corner!
….or he could have a learning disability, such as dyslexia or another issue. Our son had some classic signs of a reading disability and once instructed on ways to help him, he began to enjoy reading. Print type, size, color all made a difference. He would get headaches trying so perhaps there is an issue that makes reading uncomfortable for your son.
I am a retired Literacy/Dyslexia Specialist. Although reading does fall in place at a later age for many children, your son has now reached the age where something probably should be done to help him.
I can be reached at bobbijean.mcdonald1@gmail.com. I usually respond within 3-5 days. I will be happy to answer any questions that I can.
Bobbi Jean