Many schools now, especially high schools, are giving their students a summer reading list – one or more books to read over the summer, often with a quiz at the beginning of the school year.
Even if your child’s school doesn’t do this, it’s a good idea to keep reading skills up during the summer.
But just as we have those people who love to read, we have those who hate it. Your ADD Student might be one of them. Or perhaps they are a poor reader and therefore don’t enjoy it.
Reading skills are important, though. You need them to get through life.
If you have a summer reading list and a reluctant reader or a poor one, here are some ideas they may help.
Take a look at the book yourself. Is it something you might read or would it bore you senseless? Getting an idea of what they need to get through will give you greater understanding of what they are doing.
If you think it would help, offer to read the book along with them. They may be glad to know someone else is struggling with them, plus you have the added bonus of your very own private book club that can meet at any time. That could really boost the retention factor.
Consider an audio book. Yes, I know that ADD Students are not auditory learners, but supplementing the reading with the tape can help increase understanding and retention. Not a bad idea to have it playing in the car when they’re in it, either.
Look for the movie version. I had a college professor who used movies to help us understand Shakespeare. Seeing the movie helped getting through the Old English much easier.
Not hesitate to use study guides. I had one client who told me that using those was “cheating”. Wrong! They are study aids, helping you to understand the material better. My favorite is SparkNotes but Cliff Notes are good too.
Finally, be sure to keep on top of the reading. Don’t let them wait until the night before school starts to begin reading.
On the journey of life.” The future is very far, also is very dark. However, do not be afraid. Not afraid of people to have a road