Re-posting this in Summer Programs (I had originally posted in Parents Forum and have not received any responses)…
Does anyone have any personal experience with the reading program offered for entering 9-11 grade students through local universities, such as UCSD Extension?
I absolutely love reading, and am a voracious reader, but am a bit sad that my kids are not. My HS freshman has never been a big reader, although most of his friends are. When he was younger, he would read if I could find a book that interested him, but those were few and far between. Now that he is a freshman at a pretty competitive HS, he has even less desire to read anything if it is not required for class except for maybe the latest issue of Sports Illustrated, lol.
I really believe that being a reader is a huge asset as it translates into making you a better writer, and of course, help with improving vocabulary, grammar, spelling. He is not the best test-taker, so I think it would help tremendously with the SATs/ACTs that are just around the corner, especially as they seem to be testing how quickly you can get through the material versus how well you know it.
The website for the IRD Reading Program states: " In this program students become stronger readers and better students. They read twice as fast, make substantial gains in comprehension in both fiction and nonfiction, and study more effectively. Students who take this program: > Double reading speed > Improve comprehension in fiction and nonfiction > Learn to read and study textbooks > Enjoy reading more."
It looks like the perfect program that I am looking for, but in looking at reviews on Yelp, they of course varied greatly. They only meet for 90 minutes/week over 5 weeks, which does not seem like a lot of time. So I was hoping to find someone on CC that might have personal experience with the program or if anyone has a similar child who might have helpful advice to share, that would be appreciated.