Reading Out Loud vs Independant Reading

mom2boys030507 · Post by **mom2boys030507** » Mon Jun 23, 2008 8:33 pm

My dilemma, Bryce is no longer wanting to read out loud. He has told me that he would rather read books to himself. He reads fluently, with decent inflection. He is very capable of reading independantly and comprehending what he has read. We are still working through the emergent reader books. He prefers to read books with pictures, basically when there are to many words on a page he is overwhelmed. Today, I asked him to read a chapter in Days with Frog and Toad. I gave him the choice to read to me or to himself. He chose to read to himself and answered the questions wonderfully. Then he asked to read a chapter to me, so we did. Then he asked to read another chapter indepentantly. I love that he loves to read. I love that he wants to read indepentantly. I am just concerned that we will be missing something if I let him start doing his reading indepentdantly now.

I have not purchased DITHOR yet but will most likely be starting it during this next school year. I keep reading on the boards that level 2/3 the kids are still reading out loud to you. Is it a problem to allow a child to read independantly if that is their preference?

Sorry this is long and I am rambling. I am not really sure how to get my point across. I have been going over this in my head for over a week now. Thanks in advance for your help.

Karen

pjdobro · Post by **pjdobro** » Tue Jun 24, 2008 3:39 pm

I'm new so I can't be of much help. I have gotten DITHOR though we won't be starting it for at least 6 months or so, but in reading through the assignments some of the time the child reads independently and other times he reads aloud to you. I think the first level in DITHOR is the bridge between reading everything aloud and reading mostly independently though I remember Carrie saying in her presentation of DITHOR at the convention that it's important even as kids get older to have them read aloud occasionally otherwise it's a skill that is easily lost. I hope that helps a little and this gets bumped up so you can some more replies.

MamaBear23Cubs · Post by **MamaBear23Cubs** » Tue Jun 24, 2008 8:41 pm

My 8 year old is starting to go thru a phase of wanting to read to herself. We are working on the emerging readers. I have her read out loud to Papa or to Nana. Instead of reading a chapter a day, she's reading a book a day. Well more like in one day on a day we are home and not running about with summer sports.

Post by **Carrie** » Thu Jun 26, 2008 11:46 am

Karen,

When your kiddos are desiring to read silently that is a great thing!

It means they are heading into a different stage of more independent reading. HOORAY!

So, when my little honeys hit this stage, I let them read on their own in their free time whenever they want. I also let them read a portion of their assigned reading aloud to me, and then I let them go off to read the rest on their own.

But first, they must solemnly agree not to read beyond the scheduled pages!

This is especially important once you get to DITHR, so the kiddos can really process what they read.

During their free time though, my kiddos are known for consuming, consuming, consuming books!

Blessings,
Carrie

Sandi_NC · Post by **Sandi_NC** » Thu Jun 26, 2008 12:19 pm

Carrie wrote: But first, they must solemnly agree not to read beyond the scheduled pages! This is especially important once you get to DITHR, so the kiddos can really process what they read.

I have to laugh and agree completely!

I know once we start DITHOR, it's going to be a test of strength for my dd, Lizzie ~ she is known for reading numerous books during the course of a day! I told her I would only order the package of books if she promised to only read them as scheduled! No hiding them in her room and reading the whole pile before we even get started!

Post by **Carrie** » Thu Jun 26, 2008 2:03 pm

Sandi, isn't that the truth!

I honestly have to keep their books up in my bedroom on my highest shelf and only bring them out when we're ready to use them!

Just so you don't think I'm TOO mean though, I do let my kiddos look the books over carefully when we first get them, so they're excited and looking forward to their coming year!

Blessings,
Carrie

water2wine · Post by **water2wine** » Thu Jun 26, 2008 4:10 pm

I am reading this thread and just laughing. How many parents can't even get their kids to read a book for fun. And our kids have books for fun but still want to read their school books.

I never would have believed that was possible before. What a blessing!

mom2boys030507 · Post by **mom2boys030507** » Thu Jun 26, 2008 4:50 pm

Thanks for all the advise Ladies. I do love this stage of indepentant reading.
Karen