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“This is BORING!”: The #1 reason kids say this (It’s not what you think!)

Sep 2, 2015
 
 

“This is BORING!”: The #1 reason kids say this (It’s not what you think!)

MomSonIf you are looking for ideas for “engaging topics” you may want to stop reading. Really. This article is for the homeschool teachers who have excellent materials and ideas but are still experiencing frustration over kids who “hate reading,” and seem to not put in the effort, kids who always say,  “This is BORING!”

If this is a challenge in your homeschool classroom, you may relate to the story of first-year homeschool mom, Anna, and her 7th grader, Jason:

Anna had planned a unit around Jason’s favorite place: the local skate park. Skate Park Week would be differentiated (one-on-one!), hands-on and engaging. The physics experiments, social studies projects and language arts assignments she planned would address academics naturally—the opposite of the desk work Jason struggled with last year.

Tony Hawk: The Autobiography, should have been the perfect pick. The reading level was definitely not an issue. Starting in kindergarten, Jason was considered a gifted reader, well past his peers. Unfortunately, he had become less enthusiastic about reading over the years. Everything was “boring,” and he struggled to stay on task. Teachers often noted his ability to pay attention during activities that captured his interest. In a homeschool setting, individualized material was now possible.

Anna had Jason read from the first chapter:

“Skating also taught me the meaning of focus and perseverance. One time at Del Mar when I was trying to learn a new trick, I set it up with an easy trick called a 50-50. It was simple; I just needed to grind both my trucks on the edge of the concrete bowl. I had done it thousands of times before. I could do it in my sleep. This time, though, I got stuck on the edge and started to fall. I put my hands in front of my face to protect it, but unfortunately, it was too late. My face bounced off the concrete. My mouth was full of blood.”

Before Anna could start the writing lesson, she was stopped in her tracks with: “This is BORING!”  

What?!

Jason could decode and define “perseverance.” And as an aside, he could execute a 50-50 himself. What could be the problem?

Most reading experts agree on one thing: In order to comprehend what they read, students must have strong decoding skills and adequate oral vocabulary. In other words, a child must be able accurately decode every word on the page, and know what all of the words mean.

Unfortunately, many students who can decode well and understand words still have weak comprehension. What is the missing piece for these students?

Those of us who love books are visualizing the story. We make “movies” when we read. The words turn into pictures and we remember those images.  However, there are individual differences in student’s abilities to visualize concepts when they read.

So Jason, though reading accurately, is processing the words, or parts, rather than the whole. He is not “seeing” the story. So of course: “This is BORING!”

The good news is that the imagery-language connection can be developed. Asking a student “what did those words make you picture?” is a great start, directly stimulating this vital skill.

Learn more about Concept Imagery

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Diagnosed with dyslexia in fifth grade, Miss Massachusetts 2024, Kiersten Khoury, first came to Lindamood-Bell as a student. Today, she’s using her platform to advocate for literacy and inspire others on their reading journey. Learn more at the link in our bio, @lindamoodbelllofficial.

✨ Imagine what your student could achieve with Lindamood-Bell! Discover our unique, sensory-cognitive approach and get started today. Special offer through September: Apply the cost of your evaluation to instruction! 💡 Plus, online students may qualify for 20% off their first week. Don’t miss out! ⏳Follow the link in our bio, @lindamoodbellofficial.
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#lindamoodbell #testimonial #dyslexia
🎙️ New Podcast Episode Alert! 🎙️
In this episode, Dr. Pasternack discusses the role of tiered intervention in preventing unnecessary referrals, the importance of teacher preparation and professional development, and the necessary components of effective literacy instruction. 
👂Listen now at the link in our bio, @lindamoodbellofficial
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#lindamoodbell #podcast #scienceofreading
Attention Educators! Join us this October in San Luis Obispo, California, for in-person Lindamood-Bell Workshops! 🌟
 
Discover evidence-based programs proven to help students with dyslexia, ADHD, and autism. Our approach, grounded in the cognitive science of learning, aligns with the science of reading and structured literacy.
 
📅 Register by 9/30/24 and enjoy a $100 discount on any workshop!
Use code: back2school100 at checkout.
 
✨Register today! ✨Follow the link in our bio, @lindamoodbellofficial.
🚀 Unlock Your Child’s Potential with Lindamood-Bell Academy! 📚

Our unique sensory-cognitive approach helps students learn to their potential. We tailor learning to meet your child’s unique needs, in person or live online. Watch your child soar academically and build confidence like never before.

🌟Special Offer: Enroll now and enjoy 15% off a month of tuition!

Don’t miss this opportunity—visit our website for more details and start the journey toward success! Follow the link in our bio, @lindamoodbellofficial.
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📚 Join Us for a Special Live Parent Forum!
🗓️ Wednesday, September 25
🕖  10 AM PDT/1 PM EDT/6 PM BST

📍This Zoom event will also stream live on Facebook
 
Emmy’s mom, Alyson, will share how Lindamood-Bell’s online instruction helped her energetic kindergartener catch up in reading and spelling. Lindamood-Bell’s Director of Research and Development, Paul Worthington, will be on hand to review how student gains from online instruction are equivalent to gains from in-person instruction. ✨ Don’t miss this inspiring story! Register now. ✨ Follow the link in our bio, @lindamoodbellofficial.
📚 Tips for Students with ADHD
Attention challenges don’t always exist in isolation. Students with ADHD often face additional challenges with literacy and learning. At Lindamood-Bell, we provide personalized instruction that addresses the root causes of these difficulties.
✨ Special offer through September: Apply the cost of your evaluation to instruction! Plus, online students may be eligible for 20% off their first week.
💡 Discover more strategies and tips in our latest blog post! Follow the link in our bio, @lindamoodbellofficial.
Lindamood-Bell provides tailored instruction for students of all ages and abilities in reading, comprehension, and math.
🌟 Customized one-to-one sessions
🧑‍🏫 Available both in-person and online
📈 Effective for students with learning challenges, such as dyslexia, autism, and ADHD

👉 Help your child build confidence and achieve academic success. Discover more and get started today!

Follow the link in our bio, @lindamoodbellofficial.
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#lindamoodbell #autism #autistic #testimonial
Lindamood-Bell workshops prepare teachers to use evidence-based programs proven to help students with dyslexia, ADHD, and autism. Our approach, grounded in the cognitive science of learning, aligns with the science of reading and structured literacy.
 
📅 Register by 9/30/24 and enjoy a $100 discount on any workshop!
Use code: back2school100 at checkout.
 
Learn more and get started today!  Follow the link in our bio, @lindamoodbellofficial.
📚 Our Newton Learning Center recently welcomed Miss Massachusetts 2024, Kiersten Khoury, a former Lindamood-Bell student and passionate literacy advocate. Her inspiring journey with dyslexia made a lasting impression on our students.
Kiersten’s visit kicked off a book drive, a community initiative to foster a love of reading by collecting new children’s books for local literacy programs.
Visit our website to learn more and hear Kiersten’s incredible story—it’s sure to inspire learners of all ages! Follow the link in our bio, @lindamoodbellofficial.
We’re honored to be part of your journey, Kiersten, and can’t wait to cheer you on as you continue to Miss America! 👑🎉
Students of all ages and abilities thrive at Lindamood-Bell Academy! 🎓✨

We tailor learning to meet your child’s unique needs with proven, evidence-based instruction, in person or live online. Watch your child soar academically and build confidence like never before.

🌟Special Offer: Enroll now and enjoy 15% off a month of tuition!

Don’t miss this opportunity—visit our website for more details and start the journey toward success! Follow the link in our bio, @lindamoodbellofficial.
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#lindamoodbell #lindamoodbellacademy #testimonial
📚 Educators, Let's Partner for Success!
Looking to elevate your next teacher inservice? Partner with us and receive complimentary follow-up support all year long! 🌟
Our approach, grounded in the cognitive science of learning, aligns with the Science of Reading and Structured Literacy. It’s proven effective for all students—early learners, struggling readers, and those with dyslexia, dyscalculia, autism, and more.
🔍 Get the details and request a quote for your school or district today! Follow the link in our bio, @lindamoodbellofficial.
🎧 New Podcast Episode! 🎧
Shelly, a Lindamood-Bell Academy parent, shares how she found the perfect school for her daughter, Brooklyn, who has dyslexia. Discover how our supportive environment helped Brooklyn thrive academically while nurturing her curiosity. ✨
Listen now at the link in our bio, @lindamoodbellofficial
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#LindamoodBell #LindamoodBellAcademy #podcast #dyslexia #testimonial
Lindamood-Bell offers personalized instruction in reading, comprehension, and math for learners of all ages and abilities. Our unique sensory-cognitive approach is proven effective for everyone, including students with dyslexia, autism, and ADHD.

👉 Discover how your child can achieve remarkable results, whether they attend in person or live online! Visit our website to learn more. Follow the link in our bio, @lindamoodbellofficial.
.
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#lindamoodbell #dyslexia #testimonial
Attention Educators! Join us this October in San Luis Obispo, California, for in-person Lindamood-Bell Workshops! 🌟
 
Discover evidence-based programs proven to help students with dyslexia, ADHD, and autism. Our approach, grounded in the cognitive science of learning, aligns with the science of reading and structured literacy.
 
Whether you're a teacher, administrator, or private specialist, our workshops in reading, comprehension, and math are tailored to your needs. Don’t miss this opportunity to elevate your skills! ✨Register today! ✨
 
Follow the link in our bio, @lindamoodbellofficial.
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