What's on the Nightstand?

Alex was beginning to read less so we put Free Reading back into our daily schedule. Right now he has chosen to read books from the American Library Association's list of the 100 Most Frequently Challenged Books.


He just finished A Day No Pigs Would Die and he has begun Fallen Angels.


He likes reading these books and I enjoy discussing them with him.

You can find the list of the 100 Most Frequently Challenged Books at the following link: http://www.ala.org/ala/aboutala/offices/oif/bannedbooksweek/bbwlinks/100mostfrequently.cfm

Free Reading

Alex has a daily half hour of "Free Reading" time built into his school day and he really enjoys it. He began this year by finishing the Ralph S. Mouse series.

He has now begun The Chronicles of Narnia series.

I am so happy that this new world has opened up for him.

Banned Book List

Tiffany has always been a reader. For a time in her early teens, her social life really cut into her reading time. However, she has once again found a good balance. She also really likes reading from the banned books list. So far she has read Forever by Judy Blume . . .




. . . and The Chocolate War by Rober Cormier.

She is currently reading Rocket Boys by Homer Hickman.

Voracious Reader

Alex has become a voracious reader. Tiffany introduced him to Harry Potter this summer and he read the entire seven book series during our six week break.

Congratulations, Alex!!!!!!

Bowling

Alex finished his first reading log and chose to go bowling with family . . .


and friends as his treat.

There were many different bowling styles. Some were relaxed.

Some were not.

Some were stylish.

Some were not.

Some strategies were effective.

Some were not.

But everyone had a great time.

Reading is Fun!

Alex has always been a reluctant reader. He loved being read to, but did not like reading independently. I found the key! He just needed a little motivation. I developed reading logs where he gets a sticker for every half an hour that he reads on his own. (Who knew that stickers were so powerful?) He also gets a small treat, e.g. an icecream cone, whenever he completes 3 hours of reading. When he completes an entire reading log, 15 hours, he gets a big treat, e.g. Mom and Dad take him bowling. I am amazed at how well this is working.


Alex has read 5 books in the last 2 weeks:

Ralph S. Mouse by Beverly Cleary

The Indian in the Cupboard by Lynne Reid Banks

How to Eat Fried Worms by Thomas Rockwell

The View From the Cherry Tree by Willo Davis Roberts

Mr. Popper's Penguins by Richard Atwater

Good job, Alex!

Will in the World

Tiffany has chosen Will in the World by Stephen Greenblatt as her first supplemental reading book.

Bed-Knob and Broomstick

We have added a new element this semester. Alex and Tiffany are required to read additional books apart from their regular studies. Alex has chosen to begin with Bed-Knob and Broomstick by Mary Norton.