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Original poster

Success in getting 14yo DS to read

10 replies

TheOtherBennetSister · 11/04/2023 23:23

I posted a couple of months ago asking how to get 14yo DS reading. One of the suggestions was to read at the same time as him and I tried it.

I let him know the plan, we agreed a book for him (not too long or hardgoing - he started with Holes by Louis Sachar ). Most evenings at about 8.30 I give him a shout and we sit side by side on my bed and read in companionable silence for 20 minutes. It works! Youngest dd often joins us. He often ends up reading for much longer as he gets into the book (but no expectation if he's not feeling it). I've kept the whole thing low pressure - it's supposed to be a positive experience. And if he really isn't in the right headspace that's okay. I reckon we manage 4 or 5 nights a week. He's now on his second book. I love the chats afterwards about what we've both been reading.

OP posts:
larkstar · 12/04/2023 01:15

That's brilliant - will done.. both of you. Agreed - you have to try and make it a positive experience and not a routine chore, being flexible instead of dogmatic about it.

There are plenty of cracking books for a last that she - you might want to have a look at...

The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time by Mark Haddon - there's one f word near the beginning (but he's 14 so...) But it's used perfectly and tells you this book is not going to be boring - it swings between being hilarious and poignant.

Red Dog is a short novel by Louis de Bernières based on the true story of a notorious wandering dog in Australia - both funny and sad.

larkstar · 12/04/2023 01:21

There is a lot of emphasis on reading to acquire the skill of reading but sometimes the joy of reading (and writing) is overlooked in the quest to become proficient readers who can both read and understand a text and identify all the gramatical constructions and literary techniques used by the author, etc but kids of all ages also about being read to do don't feel that he has to do an the reading all of the time - nothing wrong with reading just for the joy of reading, doing something together and what better way to get your lad to feel positively about books and reading them.

Coyoacan · 12/04/2023 01:33

Sounds great. I just wanted to ask do you both read out of the same book, or do you have a copy each?

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Then you might like threads about these subjects:

14 year olds Children's books Families
Original poster
TheOtherBennetSister · 12/04/2023 04:05

We don't read the same book, we just read at the same time. I've reading Slow Horses by Mick Herron, and DS is now halfway through something about a boy who can't go in water.

Until a couple of years ago I used to read the Discworld series to him and it's occurred to me that I might start up again if he's keen. He loves the stories but finds them hardgoing to read himself.

OP posts:
sashh · 12/04/2023 05:56

Glad it's working and glad you came back with feedback.

pinkfondu · 12/04/2023 06:03

That's a brilliant idea, going to steal it!!!

Iizzyb · 12/04/2023 06:06

pinkfondu · 12/04/2023 06:03

That's a brilliant idea, going to steal it!!!

Me too! Thanks OP!

christmastreefarm · 12/04/2023 06:11

That's great. I don't have the same issue as my 15yo is a bookworm but when I go to bed to read in the evening she does love to sit next to me and read her book.

At my DD's school from Y7-y10 they do tutor time reading - the tutor reads to the whole class each day. I don't know if that's common in all schools.

chocandchurro · 12/04/2023 08:25

I also started doing this with my kids after seeing this thread! Admittedly mine are much younger but we have ten minutes of "reading club" a night and it's actually forcing me to read which is an added bonus as I'm normally too tired when I go to bed!

NannyGythaOgg · 12/04/2023 13:51

TheOtherBennetSister · 12/04/2023 04:05

We don't read the same book, we just read at the same time. I've reading Slow Horses by Mick Herron, and DS is now halfway through something about a boy who can't go in water.

Until a couple of years ago I used to read the Discworld series to him and it's occurred to me that I might start up again if he's keen. He loves the stories but finds them hardgoing to read himself.

The Tiffany Aching series within the DW are more young person friendly.
Book 1, The Wee Free Men
Book 2, A Hat Full of Sky
Book 3, Wintersmith
Book 4, I Shall Wear Midnight.
All good fun for adults too

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