DS (3) reading...BOB books still the way to go?

[sidmand]

Much to my shock, DS seems to be reading. I was reading the newspaper and he looked over my shoulder and pointed out "Thanksgiving," which it said. And then I asked what the other words were and he knew "Stop and Shop" and "Happy"!

I've seen the BOB books mentioned here...are they still the ones to get if I'm not so much "teaching" him as just wanting something with words he'd recognize? He was "reading" the back of the freeze dried strawberry can too! He knew ".com" dotcom, "strawberries," "cereal," etc. I was very impressed and now would like to give him something that has more words he would probably know.

[brittone2]

I think it depends on the kid. We have some BOB books and get them out of the library (other sets) from time to time. The only thing is they aren't the most stimulating of topics, so it depends on the child. DS will go through phases where he likes them and phases where he has no interest in the BOB books and prefers to read other stuff.

We change it up and use a combo of BOB books, other early readers, picking out random words in books/chapter books to sound out, etc. We also have a Boggle Jr. set and let him play around with movable letters and that type of stuff.

Starfall.com is also highly recommended. DS does a little of this but we aren't big on screen time, so I don't do it that often with him. However, I read recently that you may be able to print out the "books" from starfall (which would be very similar to BOB boks). I haven't tried it yet, but that's another option.

[egoldber]

If he can read the cereal box, I wouldn't buy BOB books. :)

Starfall does have books to print out. It's also a great resource to figure out where his level is.

[sunriseiz]

If he can read the cereal box, I wouldn't buy BOB books. :)

Starfall does have books to print out. It's also a great resource to figure out where his level is.

What egoldber said. My DD started reading early too and if she can read the newspaper or cereal box, I would go to the library and try out Dick and Jane (DD loved these for a while when she first started reading), Dr. Suess, or some of the "Step Into Reading" books where the books either have some sort of story line or are just completely silly (fox in socks!).

Best wishes! It is a really fun time! :)

[neeleymartin]

it was so clear to me that you have read to your ds since he was born. this generally doesn't just happen.

i am a reading specialist with countless certifications and a master's in reading. the recipe to get your child reading is simple...just read to them.

i would never buy into any early readers at this age. keep reading books aloud that have rich language, vocabulary. the structure of the story as well as language are the best things to share at this point. the other piece will fall into place when he gets to school, if not sooner.

kids that have always been read to almost always are readers upon entry to school. it's quite magical. just enjoy lots of good books together.

[MamaKath]

the recipe to get your child reading is simple...just read to them.

ITA! Keep reading, talking about the sounds letters make, pointing out things in the environment that are words, talking about language, etc. My K students who have parents following this are my students who come in reading or just about reading and just blossom.

Find books that your DC is interested in. It doesn't have to be books geared for them to read. Some kids love dinosaurs or animals or birds or cars. Get books that you can read about that topic. Also don't limit him to just picture books, read books with very few pictures to him also.

[Melbel]

Your experience is very similar to ours with DS. He started reading on his own at age 3 as well. I only figured out that he could read when he started reading street signs, words in the newspaper etc. Shortly thereafter, we purchased him a couple of Dick & Jane books. He was ready and asking for books he could read. His first time with the D&J books, he read 60 pages and he was so proud of himself. By age 4, he was reading dinosaur encyclopedias and chapter books. That being said, the vast majority of the time, we continued to read to him. During quiet time in his room, he would read on his own, or sometimes during bedtime stories he would read to us. FWIW, both DS and DD1 loved Dick and Jane, but were bored with the Bob books. We have tried to make learning fun via educational toys, a couple of DVDs and our own made up games in the car, bath, etc. We were also careful to follow our children's cues on what/how much to give them. While DS and DD1 were both early readers, they learned very differently from one another.

[bnme]

We like the Brand New Reader sets better than Bob.

[sarahsthreads]

DD also started reading around 3.5 - the BOB books got no love from her, but we found a series by Barron's called "Reader's Clubhouse" that she liked. And we also got the board books back out (not that they were ever really put away, just sort of shoved in a corner.) They're nice because the text is generally fairly simple, repetitive, and often rhyming.

And of course we're still reading to her! Even though she can read anything we put in front of her, she still loves to be read to, and I'd hate to lose that special time.

Now at just 4 she's devouring chapter books so fast my library card is going to wear out!

Sarah :)

[Moneypenny]

DD liked the BOB books because they were an actual book that she could read all by herself. She really liked the idea that she could sit down, open a book, and read it mostly by herself. That seemed to get her confidence up and now we get her other early readers from the library. We also read traffic signs, sales flyers, etc.

[fivi2]

DD also started reading around 3.5 - the BOB books got no love from her, but we found a series by Barron's called "Reader's Clubhouse" that she liked. And we also got the board books back out (not that they were ever really put away, just sort of shoved in a corner.) They're nice because the text is generally fairly simple, repetitive, and often rhyming.

And of course we're still reading to her! Even though she can read anything we put in front of her, she still loves to be read to, and I'd hate to lose that special time.

Now at just 4 she's devouring chapter books so fast my library card is going to wear out!

Sarah :)

A friend of mine did that - pulled out some of the repetitive board books and picture books. The Maisy books, Brown Bear, Dr. Suess, etc (I know there are more, I am just blanking). Her child enjoyed reading those.

[sidmand]

Thanks everyone! I wasn't sure what the BOB books were exactly and I think I was looking for repetitive type books so DS could get the hang of things...we read to him every night and I've always loved reading. At recess the teacher used to have kids take my book and run so I'd get some exercise!

I was just surprised that DS knew so many words. Although he knew his alphabet early too, so I guess it shouldn't have been such a surprise. I'm not sure he understands what he's reading, but I think comprehension comes later anyway. I was just looking for books he might know some of the words in (he likes Backyardigans and Jay Jay so we've been looking at some of those, but I think he knows the pictures so well he's not looking at the words!).

[fivi2]

Some of the Dr. Suess ones are pretty repetitive - Hop on Pop and that hands, hands, fingers, thumb one come to mind.

Also, a friend of mine has this little flip book with letters. You can flip the individual letters so they spell different words (3 across, I think.) I have no idea what it is called, but I meant to look into it when mine get closer.

[kijip]

We like the Brand New Reader sets better than Bob.

I agree. These were great.