Therefore specific strategies need to be implemented while reading to your child. Not every approach will work so try different methods until you discover which ones works for you. Only then will the process of reading be easier for everyone.

1. If you are wanting to improve your child’s reading then read. Read as much as possible and let your child see you reading. We don’t just read books, throughout our daily lives we read things such as adverts, labels, timetables, newspapers warning signs, leaflets. Read them to your child and talk about what you have read.

2. Visit the library and choose books suitable for your child’s reading age. If you are unsure ask the teacher for suggestions. If books appear too daunting at this stage, try looking at children’s magazines or comics. One type of book which proves to be very useful are cook books. They are excellent for incorporating the following elements:-
a. Reading - by reading the recipes.
b. Math - working out the measurements and quantities.
c. Cooking - which allows the ADHD child to be creative and kinesthetic as well as answering his need to do something.

3. A calm environment is necessary while helping your child to read. Pick a quiet spot away from distractions. Read together and take it in turn to read pages or paragraphs depending on reading level and ability to focus. If you are homeschooling see if you can enlist a family member to help with the reading. You can even pair readers of different abilities together to enhance your child reading ability.

4. ADHD children fidget constantly so allow them to fidget even while reading. Giving them something to squeeze, tap or play with will help to keep their attention. Remember ADHD children can focus on multiple things at once, so by giving them something to do there is no longer the need to look for anything else.

5. Break down reading into small chunks. Read for a short time then allow your child to play or do something else, before turning back to the task in hand. Read another paragraph or so again then allow another break. Continue this process until you have finished the chapter or story. This method works very well because your child’s brain is wired to focus on more that one thing at a time. After the reading ask for the child’s account of what he or she has read, jot down his or her words and review the next day.

6. Have your child listen to stories or reading matter on tapes whilst following along in the text. Use pods and mp3 players to record reading material the child can listen to. By seeing and hearing the words being read the child will be better able to focus.

7. Use a computer to aid your child’s reading. They are many ‘learning to read’ CDs and DVDs that can benefit your offspring and as most children love computers you can use this tool to your advantage.

8. Finally be liberal in your praise and encourage. Most children want it, particularly those that suffer from low self-esteem which is true for most ADHD children. Give rewards and positive feedback. Whichever way you choose to say ‘well done’ to your child, do it! They need it and it will certainly go a long way in helping them master the art of reading.

Do you have kids hooked on video games? So much so they have lost interest in reading? Well, Scholastic has a plan on how to get those books back in their hand. They’ve combined video games and books. How? It’s called “39 Clues” and children have to get clues from the books to advance in the video game. They also have to collect cards too, a hobby many kids like to do. This book series is targeted for children aged 8-12. To make things more interesting, they are allowing readers to play a part in the story and compete for $100,000 in prizes.

There are already 2 books out. The first book, The Maze of Bones, is written by #1 New York Times best-selling author Rick Riordan. Riordan also outlined the program’s 10-book story arc. The first book, The Maze of Bones, is written by #1 New York Times best-selling author Rick Riordan. Riordan also outlined the program’s 10-book story arc. Read the first two chapters.

The second book, One False Note, is by Gordon Korman. Read the first chapter.

Is this really a good idea? There are 2 sides to the story. Some are worried that it still reinforces the idea that video games are needed for fun. And reading should trigger the child’s imagination but in this case, there is no need to imagine as the video game already supplies the visuals. On the other hand, if children are already hooked on video games, might as well use it as a tool to reintroduce books.

Personally, I think it’s a good idea. We all know that children in this day and age are somehow inclined towards video games. If you somehow managed to keep your children away from that kind of entertainment, then maybe these books are not for you. You certainly don’t want to get them started on it. BUT if you have children already hooked on that stuff, then this is an excellent way to make sure they are getting their fair share of reading done.

What is your opinion on this book series? Is it something that you would introduce to your children?
Come to think of it, this might make a wonderful Christmas gift for your children.

p.s. Click here to discover more great Christmas gifts ideas for kids.

The 39 Clues (The Maze of Bones, Book 1)

39 Clues: One False Note

The 39 Clues: Card Pack (v. 1)

Have a new baby at home and need help to stop the crying? This book may be the answer to your prayers. Dr. Harvey Karp advocates a method he calls the 5 “S’s” to calm fussy, crying babies especially during the first 3 months. This book has had both good and bad reviews, mainly good ones. Some parents may not agree with his method especially the part about giving baby a pacifier to suck. However, if you are desperate enough, this book may be what you are looking for.

The book is easy to read with many subheadings, diagrams, bullet points, and parents sharing their experiences.

p.s. As of today, 1 copy available at my bookshop. Click below to get your copy before someone else grabs it:
HAPPIEST BABY ON THE BLOCK