This is the first post of an ongoing series regarding particular subjects, and how we approach them. Our state requires that we teach Reading, Writing, Math, Science, and Social Studies. For 8th grade and above, Reading becomes Literature and Writing becomes Composition. Depending on where you live, requirements may be different, be sure to look them up!
I am a huge bookworm. My husband, not so much, but he does collect how-to books, as he is always looking for new projects. I will read just about anything. It was one thing I hoped to pass on to my children. When our boys were young, I read to them all the time. I made a point to collect classics: Dr. Seuss, Golden Books... I read my favorites, and sought out new books. When e-books became a thing, my brilliant hubby gifted me with a Nook, and I downloaded books for me, and books for the boys. Anything to get them interested in reading.
With my first son, I thought I had failed miserably. He was a capable reader, and his comprehension was good, he was just uninterested. Trips to the library, bookstores, suggestions, even me assigning him books to read all failed. He was in public school most of his school years, and thankfully, in 6th grade, his teacher assigned the 'Percy Jackson' book series, or at least the first book, 'The Lightning Thief' by Rick Riordan. I had not heard of these books, but he was hooked. We started gifting him the books as they came out, and he was excited to continue the series. He was addicted to learning all he could about Greek Mythology, and devoured everything he could about it. He sought out other books that featured the Greek Gods, or similar teen fiction. Hallelujah! This was the moment I had been waiting for, finally we could relate to books.
The book suggestion came from public school, but this is the kind of thing homeschoolers excel at. By searching out new material, and continuously offering suggestions, trying new things, eventually, something 'clicks' with a child, and their interest prompts learning. Let your kids go with it, don't try to force them to only read classical literature, what is 'approved'... if they like comic books, roll with it. Toss something that is out of their comfort zone at them periodically to see if it clicks, but if your kid is reading and enjoying it, don't take it away!
We try to strike a balance with this by approaching Reading in two different ways. The boys are allowed to read whatever they want, whenever they want (as long as their chores are done). I require them to keep a reading log for our school days of 30 minutes free reading. Then I assign reading, choosing from lists of age-appropriate material, things I think might spark their interest, old favorites or classics, something that has a movie coming out soon (which we then watch for credit), or something that I think might carry a moral message I want to convey.
My older children have done well with this on their own. They might grumble at the assigned reading, but sometimes it turns out to be something they really enjoy or think about, and they continue learning on their own. My youngest has some attention and comprehension issues. He is 11 now, and has improved dramatically since we began homeschooling, but we still read our assigned reading together. We find that often my middle son will join us to hear the story too. We discuss what we read, we look up things we are not sure about (places, history), we talk about context and meanings, and we document it.
So much learning can happen just by cracking open a book, and children will often surprise you with their choices. As a parent, it is our responsibility to monitor what their minds consume, at least for the younger ages, but I firmly believe that allowing a child to explore their own interests can only help them with understanding a wide range of subjects and material. Watch their little minds form and take shape as they develop their opinions. It is really quite remarkable, and I have come to enjoy watching them grow and become independent thinkers.
