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60 sats \ 5 replies \ @anniedustan 2 May \ on: Use of Gen-AI to aid reading alter_native
Your post caught my attention because of the title! I have been pondering about how to tackle reading with one of my children as they really struggle to sit down and focus on a text.
It isn't that they are lazy and they are also very quick to learn, but they do struggle with reading and therefore keeping up with the class.
If there was a way to make the text simpler, they would be able to keep their focus, maybe?
I am interested to see what the results of this pilot show?
I think simpler texts would help to keep one’s focus, though if they are based on unappealing topics from your child’s point of view, they would not ignite the desire to read.
Could books with movie adaptations help? Watch the movie first, then read the accompanying book?
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ha... this made me laugh, not because your advice isn't sound but because once they have watched a film they are even less inclined to read the book!
They are like me and are much more likely to engage if the book is being read to them which is why I love podcasts and audio book so much. I could allow them to soak the info in this way, however it won't help with the skill of reading, and that then has an impact on writing and spelling.
If it was up to them on what they read, I think their teachers would have heart attacks and have already asked them to stick to books from the "school" library as when they went to the local library with the school, their chosen book was "unsuitable".
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What has enticed them to sit down and read a bit so far? I’d like to know their existing habits first n see if I can suggest something that works with their preferences.
Btw thank you for your comments. Since the birth of my second child, we have dropped the habit of reading to my first born haha. Your comment made me remember that I have an educator’s account with getepic.com (check it out. It has tons of books there n sometimes even reads aloud selected books to you). So this morning, I plonked my son in front of the laptop n had Epic read aloud a book on elephants to my boy. I hope I will turn it into a weekend routine!
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Things that will get them to sit down and read:
- Bribes such as a set fee per page 😂
- Motivation to beat their rival for the top spot in the class
- Watching Netflix with the subtitles on and reading along
- Doing it in 5 minute blocks staggered throughout the day
- Reading in the car seems to work too for some reason
- And... if it is something that they are going down a rabbit hole with!
When I look at that list they aren't doing too badly! I think I may have focused on the fact that I can't get them to read their school books!
I may have to go and see their teacher you know and have a word. Maybe if I went to the school library with them and helped them to pick a few books that would spark their interest and write a list for the teacher.
Honestly, the amount of out-of-the-box thinking I have to do with this child! They are the only one out of the four who isn't compliant in school and won't just "do" to please the teachers. (although number 4 is now showing signs of this too!)
Don't get me wrong, I am proud of the fact that they stand up for themselves, voice their opinion and have found a way to learn for themselves, but it would be a quieter life sometimes if I didn't have them coming home each day telling me I should expect a phone call😂
I will check out the link! And I bet your son was made up with you doing that with him! We may be able to expand our hearts for each child that we have, however it takes time to get into a new rhythm and keep all the plates juggling when we do!
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Well you know, rebels are the ones who forge their path and become successful entrepreneurs.
I’m guessing he doesn’t like to have prescribed reading materials shoved down his throat. I remember when I was a junior college student, I was forced to read The Hitchhiker in the Galaxy and Catcher in the Rye and hated it. It was only when I read Catcher in the Rye the second time in my 20s that I understood the brilliance of teen angst haha.
Your solution sounds glad. Hope his teachers are understanding enough to let him choose his own books! 📚
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