Towards the beginning of the school year, the first grade decided that they wanted the kids to read 100 books by the 100th day of school. At the time they started this program, Pinkleberry was not yet really reading. But she was so excited to read her 100 pages that within the first two or three days she would pick huge chapter books, novels, reference material, whatever off of our bookshelves, thumb through the pages and call it reading. Then she'd write the name of the book on the sheet of paper. She had the whole sheet filled it within just a couple of days.
I tried to explain to her that she actually had to read the books and tried to pick out readers that she might be able to get through but she'd just tell me she already read that one and grab another book to turn pages on. I could not find a meaningful way to explain to her that she was not actually reading. So after a week or two of that, I just gave up.
I've seen reminders about continuing to read the 100 books. And I've ignored them. She has finally gotten to the point where she can read and she doesn't particularly enjoy it. She's supposed to be reading 20 minutes every day, but I have never really enforced that with any of my kids. If they can read, I haven't been worried. And all but one of them has eventually become a book worm on their own anyway. And anyway, I have had plenty of other concerns with Pinkleberry that have taken precedence over that.
But now the deadline for the 100th day is only two weeks away and I've got a notification about the big party they are going to have and I think it would be pretty bad around here if Pinkleberry had to miss that party. I don't want her to miss it either. Maybe she hasn't read 100 books but she has definitely made huge strides in everything else this year. It's just that nobody made an arbitrary reward system for the things she conquered.
What to do? What to do? Is it possible for us to hunker down and read that many books in the next two weeks just for her to get the party? Or do I just explain this is the consequence of not really reading what we were supposed to? Can I make it up to her by throwing her our own little party?
Make them short books, and I really think that reading to her should count. So I would count that too. You could definitely read 10 short books in a day.I wouldn't discount what she did earlier completely. It was an individual effort that I think needs to be acknowledged.
ReplyDeleteOh, I wish this had been easier for you two! A suggestion for next year (and for the teacher) - - here's how we handled reading in kindergarten: 1. The teacher had a large selection of beginning reader books. (Scholastic is an excellent source, also Little Golden Books) 2. Each child had a reading folder that went to and from school with the books she'd chosen to read. 3. Each book title was written on the folder cover chart when it was read by, with or TO the child. Families were encouraged to read with the student. 4. Every certain number of books 'read' was rewarded.
ReplyDeleteAs a parent and teacher, I have to say that 100 books by 100th day without support from the school environment is more than a bit much to expect in 1st grade.
Reading should be a joy!! Maybe everyone could 'hunker down' and read with her so she won't miss the party. Check out the library. How about Church picture books?
Again, I'm sorry this is so painful. Know that you are not alone in trying to keep your family values alive in the face of 'normal' socialization of your children. I love the example of your efforts. thank you for sharing! - - Maggie Traore
We have some similar reading "incentives" in place in our school, and all my kids seem to do is find them frustrating. I would count read alouds, for sure, and each night of scriptures as a different book. That's my opinion. Their push is usually based on the idea that more is better - boosting vocabulary and all that. Anyone who has ever spoken with Pink knows vocabulary is not an issue. Ben's teacher writes on the top of their monthly lists to count EVERYTHING read by, with, or to the child, and I like that better. Anyway, my opinion, fudge it any way you can because I hate that kids are being excluded from these parties. It tears these kids up and teaches them to fail more than succeed, in my opinion. (oh, and I thought of you today when a monthly project was sent home that all the kinders do - a family project that encourages the entire family's participation. yep.)
ReplyDeleteCan you get your hands on the Bob books? They are in sets and it takes maybe 20 minutes to read each set. And there are maybe 14 books or so in each set? I think. And there are several sets. Your public library should have them. Or her teacher. Also the Little Critter and Clifford books are very quick reads. I bet she could do it! Maybe an older sibling could take her to the library for a couple of hours on Saturday to sit and read? And I agree with KR that read-alouds should count.
ReplyDeleteI would like to count a LOT of things. But you have to actually write down titles of books. So I don't see how we can possibly count family scripture study. But I did go through all of our book shelves and wrote down the title of every book I remembered reading this year or that I know she read. We made it to the high twenties. And while I was at work this evening I assigned each of the five biggest kids to read a book with her. So we're in the 30s now.
ReplyDeleteI just flub some of the names. I assume they aren't going to read 1,000's of recorded titles. Like, I'll write Alma 4-5 as a book title, or The Tiger Book, if I can't remember the name. It's far from perfect, but I don't really care - there's enough going on.
ReplyDelete