Written by Carolyn Leiloglou of House Full of Bookworms
I caught my son trying to read during “school” time this morning.
I was SO excited!
My son hasn’t been a big reader. Sure, he’ll read things for school if I ask him to without complaining (thankfully).
And he’ll pick up most of the picture books, fact books, or graphic novels I bring home from the library without any prodding. But getting him to read a middle-grade novel just for fun?
Not so much.
Which is why I was thrilled to see him trying to sneak a chapter during the end of science.
It got me thinking about my own experiences with books in school.
When I was in middle school, many of my teachers had shelves of books we could read in our free time, like when we finished a test early.
Can you guess who was the first person to finish every test?
Forget about double-checking my answers. There was a shelf of books that needed to be read. By me.
I discovered Out of the Silent Planet, A Wrinkle in Time, and The Dark Tower on those shelves. It was magical.
On the other hand I also remember Mrs. Gorf’s (yes, that’s a reference to Sideways Stories from Wayside School) fifth-grade English class. A rather stern teacher, she intimidated everyone.
You didn’t want to get in trouble in her class. So, of course, that was the class where I got “caught” reading.
A generally obedient child, I didn’t like having attention called to myself (I wouldn’t even raise my hand in class). Getting caught disobeying was mortifying.
I never read in class again. But I can guarantee I was getting more out of The Tower of Geburah than learning how to diagram a sentence.
That’s why I was so excited to see my son sneaking in a few paragraphs of The Secret of the Swamp King during our class time.
I’m guessing he gleaned more from it than listening to his sister narrate the science lesson. And I let him be.
So what lessons can I learn from my own experiences of reading in school that I can apply to my homeschool?
1. Leave books in conspicuous places, like candy for the taking.
I can still remember how tantalizing my teacher’s bookshelf was for me.
Now, as homeschooling moms, we might be tempted to fill a shelf of classic literature and hope our kids will fall for it. They might. But instead, let’s also put out books we believe they will love.
I do this with my kids’ Kindles. I load all kinds of things I think they will like (classics included).
I don’t point them out or make them read it, but when they discover a gem, I hear about it.
2. Leave time for boredom.
When I finished my math test early, my teacher didn’t assign me extra work.
Don’t overschedule. Many of us homeschool for this very reason. But, I admit, it’s still difficult to leave time for boredom. There is always more work I could assign, chores I need help with, errands we could run, or one more activity.
Resist the urge, and leave space for the quiet that breeds thought and creativity. For you and your kids.
3. Never shame a child for reading.
Ok, this seems obvious, but it’s an easier trap to fall into than you think. At least for me.
Sometimes I’m dissatisfied with what my children are reading. I’m not talking about inappropriate books — I’m talking about books I might consider candy and carbs instead of meat and veggies: graphic novels, below level readers, never-ending, churned-out series.
But be careful not to squelch the love of reading by being over critical of your child’s choices. I know I need that reminder.
So the next time you see your kids reading when they “shouldn’t be,” think about the books that impacted you.
And be grateful for a child who loves to read.
Did you ever get “caught” reading as a child? What books hooked you?
Weekend homeschool links
I agree–when I leave books out on the coffee table, etc. they are much more likely to be read and commented on than when I officially assign them and even less so than when I keep them on the bookshelf hoping they’ll be discovered! Great article!
Thanks, Amy! I’m always surprised when my older kids read nearly every picture book I bring home from the library, just because they are sitting in the book basket! 🙂
Carolyn’s latest post: Soothing Bedtime Books for Big Kids
Yes! I love this post. When I reflect on my school experience (large suburban public through middle school, then private Catholic high school), I just remember how much I’d rather have been reading than doing pretty much anything. I remember a particular incident in the 2nd grade when an unwitting volunteer library aide had been allowing me to check out books intended for the older grades. The head librarian found out and disciplined her (and me). I was ashamed at the time – having been made to feel like I did something wrong – but now that I look back I realize how absurd it was to prohibit a child from reading above grade level! And that memory contributed to our decision to homeschool. My kindergartener is an accelerated reader as well and sometimes I wonder whether it’s right to tear him away from a book to, say, do math… We definitely allow plenty of free time for reading, though, and I read aloud to both my children often. My son’s recently gotten into comics, to which I am kinda averse, but I allow it! After all, I remember devouring Goosebumps and other disposable subliterary stuff as a kid. As long as he learns to appreciate literature, too, I’m okay with some junk.
Haha, I feel the same way about comics/graphic novels. All that visual information tends to give me a headache! 😉 But, they can certainly be a gateway to reading longer books for many kids (my son included).
Carolyn’s latest post: Soothing Bedtime Books for Big Kids
I missed the bus home once in third grade because I was so absorbed in a book. Evidently, my mom was pretty upset that she had to come pick me up… until she found out I had been reading.
Aww, I love your mom’s reaction!
Carolyn’s latest post: Soothing Bedtime Books for Big Kids
As someone who read books in the back of class throughout my entire educational experience, I heart this post! We also strew great books and leave plenty of space for downtime. Also, once each kiddo turns ~ 4, they get their very own booklight. When it is bedtime, they have to be in their beds but they don’t have to go to sleep. They stay up “late” reading, feeling like grown-ups. <3
Cait @ My Little Poppies’s latest post: Music Appreciation in the Early Years
The book lights are a fun idea, Cait! Do you put them to bed early to compensate? I’m curious if any of yours have stayed up incredibly late reading?
Carolyn’s latest post: Soothing Bedtime Books for Big Kids
Yes, I put them down around 7ish, give or take. They are typically asleep by 8. Once in a while, particularly after a library trip, they may stay up later. My oldest (almost 8) will sometimes stay up later if he’s in the midst of a great series. There have been a handful of times when we’ve had to tell them to turn off lights but most nights it is fine.
Caitlin Fitzpatrick Curley’s latest post: Do YOU Love Poetry Teatimes, Too?
I was always “caught” reading in school! One day in 6th grade. A kid ratted me out. “Mr. Strance, why does she get to read?” So he called on me to answer a question about what he had just been talking about. Fortunately I had the right answer! “That’s why.” He said and he winked at me and I kept right on reading! Much to the chagrine of the rest of the class! I always had extra books in my backpack at school and spent recess in the school library. Reading on the way to school and on the way home and any class in between that would let me!
I love your teacher!! 🙂
Carolyn’s latest post: Soothing Bedtime Books for Big Kids
YES! I’m big on boredom! The kids probably think I’m odd because I smile at them when they say they’re bored. Haha!
Purva Brown’s latest post: The Best Advice for New Homeschoolers
Purva, boredom can be so great for kids, but I find, as a mom, I have to discipline myself to allow my kids to have it. Glad you have found that balance in your home! 🙂
Love the “never shame a child for reading” point. Great post.