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Sir Kenyth
I'm going to presume that, by your admission that by the time you were his age, you were reading at high school level, your son is beyond 'easy reader' books.
I'm a homeschooling mom presently of a 14-and a 12-yr old. Our almost 19 yr old was also home taught and now lives in CA state doing rather well for himself. (One other is in public school) The oldest was *not* particularly fond of reading until he discovered the world of nanotechnology (while *I* *still* can't figure out how or what it is!). Then he sort of blossomed--and is now developing a computer game with a couple testers (for one of the big companies). *How* he made the transition, I still haven't a clue. But he did and is now an avid reader--of computer-related (*BORING*) books.
The 14 yr old is like dear ol'mom--got his nose in a book likely as not. He just discovered Jordan and is devouring the WOT series. Like me, he is a varied and very fast reader and always has been.
The 12 yr old--you couldn't pay her to read most of the time! I used to defend myself and her reading abilities to my sister (a public school teacher) and my mother (a snotty, know-all, do-gooder bitch) because she would absolutely refuse to read aloud anything they asked of her. But at home, if something caught her eye--like an article in Nat'l Geo--she'd very competently read the thing out loud for everyone without prompting!!! And she's done this for three years or so. There *was* a problem early on. She kept saying she 'couldn't' read and I took this to mean she didn't think she had the capability. Then I took her to the eye doctor for a screening and found she was far-sighted--thus she couldn't *see* to read well.
In my long winded way, I guess I'm trying to say that if you can find the trigger, your son will not only read, but actually *want* to read! For my oldest, it was itty bitty technology and how it applies to the future. For my daughter, it's usually sports or Pokemon related (sometimes x-files type stuff). Give her Pokemon and she'll read happily for hours! Give her much else, and it's like pulling teeth ("this is stupid!" "I don't want to read this!" ::huge snort, rolls eyes:: as only a preteen girl can, etc.)
Puzzle books are great. So are computer games which have spelling type puzzles. As for books, depending on his age, the 'choose your own adventure' ones can be fun as they allow for variety and a certain control over the story not available in the typical static story. Or have him write his own short-shorts--and illustrate them. If they're ultra short (in the beginning), his attention span won't be shot and if he illustrates the story, it'll help him focus and concentrate better while being a bit of creative fun. Put them together in a 'book' of his very own when you have a certain pre-agreed upon number--and give them as presents to grandparents, etc. (computer printers with their fancy fonts--if he types, he's learning typing *and* spelling!--are wonderful inventions!!!) Learning isn't meant to be boring or at the expense of fun!
Beware the 'he should be reading at xxx level at this age' crap the public school preaches. They cater to the 'average' child, a creature who simply does not exist. All children are exceptional, yet in different ways. Our job and *theirs* (the school's) is to find what particular gift(s) a child has and expand it to create a well-rounded and -developed individual!
As for tv, use it as a teaching medium. I realize you have little or no control over what is watched at your ex's house, but if you discuss your concerns with her, surely you can come to an agreement which will sit well with both of you.
Hope this helps a bit. If you'd like, e-mail me offlist (addy in profile).
Garnet
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