Books to support her reading, any suggestions?

**skylark** · 08-05-2012, 06:27pm

My DD1 is 6 and is falling further and further behind with her reading. She finds the school books (with Biff, Wilma etc) really dull and the more interesting books are still beyond her and that frustrates her. We have loads of books at home but I would like to get her some that support her reading stage and are also more interesting than the ones she has at school.

If there are any teachers about, is there a box set that I can buy that can help her more?

**Anne** · 08-05-2012, 07:04pm

what level is she reading at on ORT? I agree that can be dull, try looking at the Book People website for something that inspires her, she is more likely to read something interesting, even if she cant do all the words, just support her with what she can read. failing that head for the library, they usually have a section there for beginner readers.

try these http://www.thebookpeople.co.uk/webap...oductId=255854

**RealGoneKid** · 08-05-2012, 07:08pm

E and I read her normal books (Charlie and Lola, Revolting Rhymes etc) and take it in turns to read sentences, or she will do one character's words (usually Lola) while I do the others. Or i encourage her to help me read her brother's bedtime story (Julia Donaldson/Pirate Dinosaurs etc) She wouldn't read the books alone but is happy to read them in turns with me.

**fifitrix** · 08-05-2012, 07:44pm

Something like Rainbow Fairies? J can't read all the words in these but it's massively increased her confidence as she can read enough to make her interested and I supplement the rest. Also recently we've had a couple of the Happy Families series by Allan Ahlberg - Mrs Wobble the Waitress etc. They look more grown up than picture books but the stories are simple, so again, quite good for confidence

**Chell** · 08-05-2012, 08:37pm

Why not pop to the library and let her have a look.

My DD loved the Rainbow Fairies but also liked to read things like Julia Donaldson to her little sister. She has read Horrid Henry (Poundshops sometimes have these). Have a look on Amazon, there mght be a Rainbow Fairy with her name. We got DD the one for her name at Christmas.

DS on the other hand has always prefered non-fiction books. His reading is excellent but he'd rather read a book with snippets of information/facts rather than a lengthy fiction book.

**cheeky_biscuit** · 08-05-2012, 08:40pm

It's so personal and down to the child I
Can't recommend a specific set of books. But I do recommend setting a couple of hours aside to spend in the library - look at the full range with her; picture books, board books, puppet books, non-fiction, fiction, early readers, chapter books. Read them to her, read them with her.
Personally I think a reluctant reader would find rainbow fairies dull, but maybe worth a look.
Magazines might be good?
National geographic and Dk have good guided reading books non-fiction in a huge range.

**skylark** · 08-05-2012, 09:05pm

Thanks ladies, I'll take her over to the library after school tomorrow ans she can choose some books there.

**Dancing Queen** · 08-05-2012, 09:09pm

Originally Posted by skylark

Thanks ladies, I'll take her over to the library after school tomorrow ans she can choose some books there.

I think this is a great idea - the girls enjoy books, but aren't nuts over them, however they get SO much enjoyment and are SO enthusiastic about going to the library, and usually choose 5-8 books each. Then they can't wait to get them home and sit surrounded by them for a good hour

**Anne** · 08-05-2012, 09:49pm

Another idea is talk to her teacher and ask her what she would recommend, based on her current level in phonics.

**LiLi** · 09-05-2012, 08:57am

I think what RGK suggested is a good idea too - that's how we started off with Emma. I think a whole book to plough through can be really off-putting, and it's not until they get to read more fluently that they can enjoy the story as they are reading it. Until then, they are so busy trying to sound out the individual words, that all the pleasure is lost from the actual story.

Most of our reading is done at bedtime when it's quiet and relaxed. We've done picking out random words from pages for E to read (some easy for confidence building, some more tricky), then taking it in turns to read alternating pages. We've also done E reading a story then us reading her a story.

I'd say go for shorter books - so the picture book style rather than the chapter books. It's all about confidence at this stage - I wouldn't worry too much about what phonics she 'should' be reading when.

I'm a great believer in reading being for pleasure. I think it's so important not to put them off at this stage.

**Chocolate Lips** · 09-05-2012, 09:19am

How about the Dr Seuss books? DD loved them, they come in different levels aimed at early readers, read on their own etc and they're quite fun and silly.

**CharlieBubbles** · 09-05-2012, 10:32am

Definitely the library.

We go once a week and come home with about 10 books. At ours they have a couple of shelves of early reader books at different levels, DS1 (just turned 5) has been working his way through these. He also likes non-fiction readers about animals, space etc., so maybe look for something like that if stories aren't grabbing her? We also started taking it in turns to read a line at bedtime, and now he reads his own book and we sit and listen!

**S-J** · 09-05-2012, 10:51am

Originally Posted by Chocolate Lips

How about the Dr Seuss books? DD loved them, they come in different levels aimed at early readers, read on their own etc and they're quite fun and silly.

WSS.
My son is the same Skylark (falling behind with reading). He loves the Dr Seuss books. We go to the Library every now and again - MUST take him this weekend.
Also, just 5 mins reading with him every single day. ie not too much, but just that little bit.
Good luck, I feel your pain, its a hard-one.

**skylark** · 09-05-2012, 11:15am

I read with her every day but I hope the library books will spark her interest again.

**jobey** · 09-05-2012, 12:38pm

Look out for the Amelia Jane books by Enid Blyton. My DD1 has read the whole series now and it has really brought her reading on. They have quite short chapters and a few illustrations along the way.
Def a good idea to see what catches her eye at the library though