The Problem with Reading
“The problem with knowing how to read is I can’t stop. Every word I see I have to read, even if I don’t want to! Look: National City, E Street, road work ahead… I have to close my eyes!”
So said my overstimulated eight-year-old.
At first I chuckled at the cuteness of his problem. Then I shared it with some friends and they got me thinking more deeply about it. There is, in fact, a huge increase in info-processing as a person transitions from non-reading to reading. It makes total sense that a child could be overwhelmed, doesn’t it?
I’ve been chewing on that fact for the past week. It’s not anything to act on, of course, it’s just one of those amazing things our children remind us grown-ups about. Luckily, my boy may get overwhelmed but he still can’t stop opening the books. Walking to school . . . over a bowl of Cheerios . . . in bed with a flashlight . . . even hanging off chairs. You go, my little reader!
- 18
- Feb
- 2013
Reading takes you toward different worlds and adventures. When I was young,the only way to learn a subject was to research it in a ‘book’. However, to find that book meant walking four miles to the local library and then four miles home with arms laden with that certain book plus a few others for good measure. I still love to read,but with lighter fare….the tablet weighs much less than those books I used to carry. Remember to tell your son that the best way to explore a subject is to read a children’s book first. If this simple and cleary written book stimulates your interest,progress on.
So glad your son loves to read. His picture with the flashlight is so much like his Grandmother when she was younger.
“Remember to tell your son that the best way to explore a subject is to read a children’s book first.” I remember this advice well and have told it to the boys almost verbatim. Well, I do add, “Grandma always said…”
I cannot believe how big those boys are now!!! I am sick of our snow and ice now!!
You all have done such a great job with your boys and you must be very proud!!
Keep up your great teachings. Hugs from boston bette. (still want tocome to Calif. sometime this year. I leave for Florida in two weeks to thaw out!!)
Lovely post, Deborah! Reading is truly a gift. It opens up so many worlds to kids (& adults).
Here, here!
Enjoy Florida, B!
I am so happy that your boys love to read! Sometimes when subbing for a teacher, I like to read to the class. Second graders are the ones who say “More! PleaZZZe!” It is a fantastic base for young kids to learning, not only how to read, but searching for knowledge by getting lost in a book! And liking it came by your example. They are modeling from your love of words by loving words too. I wish more parents read to their children, and turned off games and apps. (Unless a book apps). Do all three boys like paper books or tablet? I’m curious if it matters.
Thanks, Lisa. We don’t have a tablet, so that’s not an option for the boys. Even at school, they only used tablets a little last year, but not at all to my knowledge in 2nd grade. So for them, it’s printed books or audio books (mostly in the car, but sometimes in their room as they listen and play with Legos at the same time).
Even grown ups in college classes love to be read to. Just ask my professor how eager we were for her to finish Tales of Desperou. LOL
Hi, Deborah, my trips just turned 4. I haven’t kept up with your blog but decided to check out your new site. Very nice. I planned on sending you pics of my guys as Pooh,Trigger, n Eeyore after reading your boys loved them. That’s how long its been. Sadly I never got around to it. But I will once I get all the pirate pictures organized. Glad to see your writing up a storm.