Small Triumph, I Think

For the longest time, I've been concerned about Kipp's reading. I am not referring to his ability to read, but rather his interest in reading. I cannot keep Landry supplied in books. Indeed, I can't even keep his shelf on the blog up to date because he finishes book too quickly. Kipp, by comparison, shows no interest in reading independently. I know he can read above grade level, but simply doesn't want to read more than he must for school.

I have been wondering if Kipp's disinclination results from his need to be different than Landry. It seems healthy to me that Kipp and Landry have different interests, and I'm happy to encourage that. However, I think Kipp is shooting himself in the foot if he chooses not to read simply to be different from his brother. Indeed, I can't think of too much that would make me feel as though I had failed as a homeschooler, but raising a child who didn't love books on some subject would do it. (Mind you, it might still happen despite my best efforts, but it will really trouble me.)

I've been watching for any possible way to ignite a fire for reading in Kipp, and I finally found one today. It happens that Kipp needs two books of his next literature unit in MBtP that use the graphic novel format. I got them from the library today and left them laying on the sofa. The next thing I notice, Kipp is happily curled in a pile of pillows, reading these books. At one point, he claimed one of the characters made a particular statement. I said I doubted it and asked him to show me the text. Without a pause, he showed me the statement he had quoted.

Suffice it to say, I spent some time on my library's webpage, searching for graphic novels that I thought might interest him. I explained to Kipp that these books will be his alone, and Landry may not read them unless Kipp says he may. Kipp is very excited.

So is his mother!