Summer Excerising to Improve Reading

I agree with what Kristy said. I would say that maybe color coding her notebook/sections might help her to locate things too. As for reading...ironically they best way to get better it to read more. How about a incentive chart...if she reads say 3-4 books she gets a prize...like movies or a favorite meal. I would read classics and then rent the movies after...then you can compare the movies to the books and talk/write about that. As a child I earned my allowance by reading a book and submitting a report to my Dad. My mom gave us extra money for agreeing and writing 4 short stories for her. It doesn't have to be money...it can be time alone with you doing something special. Good luck!

My heart goes out to you. I experienced this with my nephew last year also 11. He came to stay with me over the summer and realized he was having difficulty reading. I am not a teacher so had no idea what to do . I found through my younger son's school the Rutgers Reading Program (NJ). It was inexpensive and I also found the local library had volunteers (teachers or aides not working over the summer) helping children with reading. He would meet with this lovely lady at the library for an hour/week. The lady was so nice she then offered 2 hours /week.

My nephew is doing so much better this year. He actually said to me recently that he likes his school. THIS IS SOOOOO HUGE!!

GOOD LUCK.
VR

hi, 1st of all, i'd like to say that every response you were given seems to be great....BUT she may not REALLY have a reading problem. while i would still be cautious over a reading problem, i would try out easier, simpler things to begin with. i myself had a "reading" problem...my problem was that no matter how long and hard i tried to read something, it just wouldn't stick, sometimes i'd sit for an hour just reading the same paragraph over and over again because i just wouldn't get it! i knew how to read, (even though i had a problem with a few big words) but once in 8th grade with a great teacher, we found out that it was more of a bordom thing! no matter how hard i would seriously try, if i wasn't totally interested in the reading, i just COULDN'T do it! so she gave me a test, let me pick out 3 books for the class to read (w/in certain limits) i picked my 3 (surprisingly 1 was on her list of what she was going to make us read anyway) while the other 2 were more of a children's horror book, but she said it was appropriate enough. to be totally honest with you, with those 3 books they were the 1st 3 A's i EVER received in english/reading class! in high school, 2 out of those 4 yrs, i did horrible, almost even not graduating because of it. by the last 2 yrs, i had teachers that helped, either by reading to us (having each person in class read a paragraph, or even chapter), and also giving us some assignments were we just had to pick our own books and read then give an essay about what we read...and i had no problems! as for organizing...they have those huge binders where there's just about 1 pocket for just about everything you could possibly need in school...and you can put stacks of paper, and a bunch of folders in them...just have her pick out one of those, then 5 folders(or however many classes she has that could need a folder) and doodle/write the name of the subject on it...everything goes into it's own folder, and if you find the binder that has the hard paper inserts that seperate each subject, you can use that. just put the seperator, the folder, then a small stack of paper...and keep doing that until it's filled for each subject. that's how i became organized (now, i'm obsessive compulsive about stuff like that, but it's easier to find what i need lol). well, good luck, and just remember, just take her to the library and have her pick out a couple books that interest her, whether they're good for school or not, at least she's reading! for her age, R.L. Stein has great books, there mostly thrillers for tweens, but they do have goosebumps which is more for elementry school age, going into the tweens. so either way, THAT may work for her (that's what i read) but there's also the nancy drew books, and others in that age group, but just have her read the description on a few, and let HER pick...hopefully this will work and it's not a real problem, but something that can easily be taken care of (as long as she has understanding teachers that are willing to work around this like a few of mine did) good luck, and let us know how things work out!

always keep a book in the car... that way when your driving.. she can pick up the book and read it.. or read the road signs.. or play a game.. and read what's on the truck as it passes... make it fun.. and good luck

First of all I would like to applaud you on your constant efforts to make sure your daughter is getting the most she can out of her education, it is so important that parents be actively involved to ensure that their children will succeed in life! I was a very good student, but my sister had a learning disability which gave her some of the same kinds of problems your daughter is having, especially with the organizational skills. Here is a suggestion that may work for you because it did work for my sister- Try to make it fun, let her pick out fun colored folders and notebooks and school accessories herself so she feels like she's taking an active part in organizing her things. Also, set aside some time everyday, 15 mins or so, for her to read to you- it could be anything, magazines she likes, stories, the newspaper etc. That way it becomes a routine that she will start to view as your special time together and therefore she will look forward to it. Also, maybe you could try arranging study groups with her friends from school so they can all help each other and get some social interaction as well. I have seen all of these things work so hopefully it will help. Good luck to you!

Check to see if your local library has a summer reading program. They may award prizes to the kids for reading. Also ask her teachers for a summer reading list. There are some really good books at her age level. And most important: read to her. I read to my kids( now 19 & 17) from the time they were 6 months old until they were about 13-14. They became excellent readers and students. Allow her to choose a book for both of you to read together.

I had/have very similar issues with my oldest son. He is 12 and just completed 6th grade. The first thing that I think might help with organization is a planner. Every day, her homework must be written in the planner. For several years, both my son's teachers and I would sign the planner. This is the best form of communication for homework. We also used a binder and separated each subject. In the front section of each subject, we put in a clear report cover. This is where the homework went. We would go through his planner and his binder together and this helped to keep the homework in one place. As for reading, have you asked her what kind of books she likes? Maybe take her to a book store or the library and let her browse. Take out a few books and spend some time together reading. Have her write in a journal over the summer. She can write about anything. At the end of each week or two weeks, have her put it in story form and share it with you. You can go through the process of rough draft, editing, final copy like they do in school. Put them all together in a book and at the end of the summer, she has her own book of short stories to read.

I have a similar problem with both my 14 and 9 year old. Both are poor readers. The 9 year old is reading 1 yr below grade level and the 14 year old has a reading rate that is half of what it should be and has horrible vocabulary skills. After researching the expensive options we found Rutgers Summer Reading Program. If you google it you'll come up with the website, its a 5 week program. Also, check with the school system, they may have a summer refresher course. I can't stress enough how important it is to get your daughter on the right track with her reading skills now before she gets into the higher grades. We waited too long with our 14 year old. Good Luck to you

You can try getting her to go to the libary more and take out books thats on her level then slowlY bring the level up to were is is surpose to be. Hopefully we school returns she'll be on the right track.oh and to make sure she's understanding what she reads ask her to give you a report on each book.
Hope everything works out good luck

Try a mentor. Big Brothers and Big Sisters is a great organization. Copy and cut the link, and click on the mentor link. It is a good program and they do extensive background checks on the mentors, so you can trust that your daughter will be in no danger.

http://www.bbbs.org/site/c.diJKKYPLJvH/b.1539751/k.BDB6/H...

Hello A.,

Just wondering, but has your daughter been tested through the school for ADD? I know that it seems as though these days that alot of kids are ADD - (like what was in the water we drank when we were pregnant or something!!!!..) The testing is simple and takes place during school hours.

My daughter is 15, and was diagnosed when she was in 2nd grade. She STILL is very disorganized - her room looks like a tornado hit it DAILY!!!

Have you thought of perhaps a teacher tutoring her after school as well? One of my daughter's teachers did that for her at a cost of $15/hour. She was only with her for an hour a day - not too expensive.

Does your school district offer summer school? My daughter had to do that for a couple of summers as well in order to bring her grades up (and as a matter of fact in order to graduate 8th grade).

Also, does your school have a psychologist that she could perhaps talk to? Maybe she's struggling within herself and may conflict with her doing her schoolwork/homework.

Just some suggestions... hope all works out and you and your daughter find a solution!!!

Hi A.,
My name is H., and I am a teacher/administrator and a mother of a daughter. I have worked with a program called AVID (Advancement Via Individual Determinisim). It is a WONDERFUL program that helps B/C students become more organized, and helps with note-taking strategies, study skills, and over all academic improvement. I would ask your daughter's school if they have this program, or one like it. Do you live in Connecticut (I thought most people on here did, but I am not sure). If so, we have RESC's here
(Regional Educational Service Centers). They often offer summer programs that are grant funded through interdistrict grants, and they work with kids of all ages in different programs that help with reading, and other educational skills. I run a few of these programs (unfortunately, none in the summer are for 5/6th graders, but there are a ton out there, and best of all they are free for the most part, some charge a 15$ snack fee) and for most of them, transportation is provided. you can contact me at ____@____.com and I can help you find some of these programs.

Good luck!
H.
Mom of 3 year old Delaney

Hi there A.,
I have the same problem with my 15 year old. She is reading below her grade level. Her teachers did not tell me but I know my child. Her grades was very poor. My summer plans for her to improve her reading is, I went to Wal-Mart and purchased a phonics and vocabulary book for ages 8+. Also the librarian at her school is offering my free tutoring this summer for her. What she is going to do is find books that interest her, let her read them and then test her on the comprehension part. I was lucky that the librarian was like, i am here this summer and i can work with her. So check and see if the librarian at the school will be working this summer. Also a teacher once told me to take her to the public libray and let her check out books she like not books you like. Also take her to the book store in the mall and let her buy books. Just the idea of going to the mall. My daughter liked that idea. I really didn't tell her what I was doing, I just told her let's go to the mall and when we got there I went right to the book store. I pretended to be looking for a book for myself and I just said to her you can get one to. So, lately she ask me to go to the mall to get a book she wanted to read.

Good luck!!!!!

Hi A., I just read your story, it touched me & I hoped your little girl passed into 6th grade, did she? I wanted to share my (similiar) story & SUGGESTIONS (below).

My neice, ALSO 11, struggled the SAME way. It was very sad to watch! (Although her Dad-- my brother-- had died in front of her a yr prior & a few months later.. her Mom left her & her 8 yr old sister who are now living w/their Aunt (my 52 yr old sister).

The school (Saddle Brook)was said to be a "great school system". I attended several meetings w/my sister.. meeting w/the principle, teachers, state worker, etc. to discuss her grades.. watched as they brain-stormed; offered after school help & told my sister what 'at home' role she SHOULD play; checking homework, encourage reading, etc.

I was happy w/the outcome & thought we were in the clear, until abruptly & at the LAST marking period my sister says: "she's failing". I asked WHY & found my sister had STOPPED checking her homework; told me "Well I wanted to see what she was gonna do, she has to learn to remember on her own, the teachers are tired of her daydreaming & dont' want to help her anymore if she's not helping herself"! She just turned 11 & all she'd been thru, I was outraged! Actually, my sister & I are barely speaking now over this.

FIRST I took my neices homework pad & wrote the entire MONTHS dates & the words: "Homework Assignment" at the top of each page to help her remember to write her homework assignments down everyday. I offered to pay for Sylvan Learn Center OR to visit her daily in after care to help her study (instead of playing)BUT my sister told me she didn't want my neice to "get all that attention" & that the ONLY choices at this point were to either have a therapist label her ADD -OR- JUST let her repeat the grade. Meanwhile I'm wondering what ever happened to "summer school" help. "JUST"? my sister says? A year of this childs life.. JUST sit back & watch her fail? When I knew this poor childs forgetting her homework .. doodling & daydreaming in class.. failing.. stemmed from "post traumatic stress". My sister would say (in front of her!) "she can read maybe 3 sentences & that's it her brain can't hold the info". NOT long after.. BOTH girls sadly, would tell me (mimic)the same thing: "OH Auntie we can't hold onto info we can only read 3 sentences". Again I was outraged instead of ENcouraging she was DIScouraging. The bottom line: my sister said the school was pushing ADD bcause it IS easier; that there were more State resources available. BUT I refused to accept that; I pursured it & found out there WERE other resources! Much like your daughter, she only had one marking period left tho. Thank God (& the teachers!) my neice passed the grade w/the help of after school assistance and NO ADD label!! I pushed my sister; my sister pushed the school .. the school pushed my necie & she passed !! You have to push.. they won't.

WANT TO ASK: Are you trying anything at home to help her read? Unfortuantley many young Moms (my family too) feel its simply up to the "school system" to teach; don't realize the sucess of the child relies on what goes on at home too. The combination of parents working WITH the teachers usually result in success stories.

ONE SUGGESTION: I bought alot of books for my neices & made it fun. I recently bought Madonnas "The English Roses" because it deals w/the Orphan topic (the girls can relate) & I read the book myself-- THEN-- I made up a fun test & gave them prizes... they were actually EXCITED to take a test! Without the pressure of teachers or the grade counting... it got them to READ. Much like I've heard parents struggling w/children not wanting to eat their vegetables, & heard you should give multiple choice offers: "do you want spinach, peas or corn" it gives the child the feeling THEY are making a decision, not being forced to "eat his/her veggies" while accomplishing them doing just that! So we'd say: do you want to read 'this or that' book! Either way .. they're reading!

Sadly-- my sister continues on; not encouraging reading this summer -- even tho the school absoultey emphasized the necessity! My sis claims she wants them to "have fun"! said: "come on they're kids what should they constantly study?".. Meanwhile they're not studying or reading AT ALL! Why? It's 'easier' .. easier to allow them to QUIETLY sit & play video games for 4-hours .. then to have to spend her time to PUSH them to READ or making up FUN games to help them WANT to read. Failing to realize she's ONLY putting off the inevitable.. September will SOON be here & the struggle WILL continue.. at this rate .. what will my sister do, have her quit school at age 16? I want to push college!

WithOUT at home help? Most children are bound to continue to fail. I told my sister we CAN'T just feed, clothe & put a roof over a childs head & call that: "great parenting". Actually -- the basic law-required aspects of raising a child are: "clothe, feed, schooling".

Technically I guess we don't have to do anymore then that & the school sadly is not going to push if the child lacks 'at home' assistance. There are just too many children in the school system they can't give one-on-one attention.. especially if the parents aren't doing much to help at home.

Parenting is a huge job & responsibilty.. its more then IF they eat but WHAT they eat.. (too much Burger King for my neices & not enough veggies & home cooked meals). Constant guidance & teaching VALUES.. READING .. etc. is what makes the 'good' parent stand out & proudly display the bumper sticker "Proud Parent of Honor Roll Student"; if thats what the parent wants that is.

Well I truly wish you the best of luck.. hope she graduated. My neice seemed as if she 'didn't care' but when she passed it was clearly evident how happy & relieved she was! Hope this helps.

Why dont u get a tutor? Good Luck! I give u credit at 27 having an 11 yo. Im 27 and i cant handle a 2yo lol