I’m trying to help my nephew practice reading. He likes soccer, and sports in general. He liked the Black Lagoon books. I think he’s around level 2 in the early readers.
The problem is, he’s a little bit behind his peers. When he reads books for his age group it’s very boring because it takes so much effort to read (and he has trouble with so many of the words) that he doesn’t enjoy the story very much. I think he’ll like reading more if it isn’t so difficult. But I know he’ll be insulted if I show him anything that looks like it’s too far below his age level. Lower-level books are often more boring anyway, so it would lower his trust in me without actually helping the problem.
In case it’s relevant: I suspect he has ADHD, but his parents won’t hear about it. Books that are particularly good for kids with ADHD are welcome, as are any tactics I can use or helpful ideas I can introduce to him, that don’t involve using the phrase ‘ADHD.’
by misconceptions_annoy
2 Comments
I’m a reading/comprehension tutor and I see this as such a need! It’s very difficult to find reading level appropriate books for kids that are a bit behind in grades 2-4.
One of the kids I work with is an 8 year old with ADHD. He’s very smart and has a fast mind, but is behind in reading—a combination that makes it hard to find books that he enjoys reading. For him, the Fly Guy and Pete the Cat books were what finally hooked him! Those are too easy for him now so we’re looking for something similar but at a higher reading level. I’m thinking Cat Kid and Dog Man might be a good fit.
I know this comment isn’t super helpful, as I’m looking for similar books myself. But hopefully it can at least point you in a good direction!
Mutts by Patrick McDonnell
Skinnybones series by Barbara Park
Calvin & Hobbes by Bill Watterson