Reading train - Improve your reading skills

How can I help a kid in 11th grade improve his reading skills? He reads on about a 4th grade level.?

This kid has never been diagnosed with a learning disability. He is quiet, but intelligent. His family has moved around a lot, and both his parents are in jail. The family with which he's now living alerted me to this problem. I really don't want this sweet, good kid to fall between the cracks because he's never had anyone care enough to give a damn.

Public Comments

1. very slowly if he's that stupid..
2. I would suggest getting him things you know he will read often..( comic books, etc.) to get him really iterested in reading. If it is something he is really into he will read alot. Which is a good foundation for excellent reading skills..Practice, Practice, Practice...He will most likely find more challenging things to read on his own after getting a good head start with something that interests him.
3. Try to find reading materials that are actually at his level so that he is not constantly frustrated. Encourage him to read things he enjoys so that he will hopefully continue to read and get better at it. Share different reading strategies with him--such as using context clues, skimming and scanning, looking at headings and bold-faced words first, etc. It may help to provide him with books on tape of texts that are beyond his grade level that he is still expected to read for different classes. You can still refer him for help in the school district. It's possible that he can still get into a program at this late time. That would also help him if he somehow manages to get into college... Sadly, as a high school English teacher, I see way too much of this.
4. Get stuff that he like to read,like if he like music get some lyrics he can read.
5. You say he's never been diagnosed, but has he ever been tested? Go read his records. Even if there is testing, I'd suggest contacting the resource specialist at your school and get him tested again. As I'm sure you know, what you'll have to do will be very different if he's dyslexic than if he's just fallen through the cracks. If it isn't a learning disability, then I think you have a very long road ahead of you. You say he's intelligent - how is his vocabulary? Is he reasonably articulate? If yes to both, then I suspect he simply hasn't practiced reading to the point where he's proficient. In that case, the best thing you can do is get him to reading anything and everything he can get his hands on. You might help him by having him read aloud to you, or check his comprehension on the things he's read. Beyond that, again, talk to the resource specialist at your school. Surely she'll have some ideas. And bless you for taking this on!
6. that phonics reading program
7. He would probably benefit from some personal tutoring, either from you or someone at his school. Can someone at his school, a teacher or student, help him out after school? You might also check out adult ed classes, at a local high school, college, junior college or Y, and see if they offer reading classes for adults. If you feel a less "classroom-y" approach would be more effective, and would like to work with him yourself, why don't you and he start with a book about a subject he likes (such as sports, or a favorite actor or interest of his)? There are several books geared towards children about baseball, etc., that you could start with as a primer, then as he gains confidence you can work your way up to young teens books, then books for older teens, and so on. If he is actually interested in the book's subject matter he will probably already be familiar with some of the words and that can be a great motivator. Your library should have a lot of good books for all levels. Also, go to about.com and look up "Reading Comprehension" or the like for more resources/ideas. I think it's great that you are looking out for him, and I know you and he will succeed at this.
8. Make him stay back and play educational games that would enhance his reading skills...make him feel special...make him feel good...
9. find something he is interested in 2 read like science book or novel bout kids his age.
10. Oh, boy, have I been there before... I've had my share of pet projects over the years. There really are no books at a 4th grade level that will interest a high school kid. And, at this point, he already has fallen between the cracks, if you can't get him interested in reading for enjoyment. I'd say the best bet is to find a book he'll be interested in, and buy him a dictionary, just a pocket sized one, that he can hide in his folder, yet keep with him for easy reference. As dumb as it will sound to him, have him read to you every day. That way, you can discuss words he can't pronounce or doesn't know the meaning of. I've found that intelligent kids can catch up VERY quickly, if they learn to like reading. Try books like Lord of the Rings, Harry Potter, and Artemis Fowl. All have around a 6th grade reading level, and still interest adults. Check at your local elementary or middle school, most have Accelerated Reader Programs and lists of books sorted by grade level. Many public libraries have the AR book lists too. Sounds like you're this guy's last defense. Good luck, and keep up the good work!
11. try to expose him with 11th graders who will help him, not bully him...