Jasmine has a definite distaste for reading. I found a Christian adventure book for the first novel to assign Jasmine. She seemed to enjoy it. When I began searching for what to have her read next, I was stumped. I prayed and asked God what I could provide to give Jasmine a wonderful taste of reading.
God answered with two unusual books for a 15 year old homeschooler. First, Jasmine has only ever enjoyed one book assigned by her school to read... and that was Hunger Games. She read it for her English class last year at public school. Then, they went and watched the movie. When I discovered that Hunger Games is only written at a 5th grade level, despite the more mature themes, I felt a little leeway in what I wanted to choose for Jasmine.
First, I want the books that Jasmine reads to be God-honoring. She has spent her entire school career reading stuff that was either God-absent or anti-God. Raiders from The Sea, the first book Jasmine read, was a nice start of something God-honoring. While I have tons of lists of books, I was hesitant to use most of the books on the list because the reading level might intimidate a girl that has had issues with reading. And yet, I didn't want a children's book, making her feel inferior. The public school has already done a great job of tearing apart any confidence the girl had and making her feel dumb.
After some prayer, I realized that most of the Christian fiction written today is not written at a very challenging reading level, but is God-honoring and might be a great way to get Jasmine reading and interested in reading. So, after some brief debate, I decided to introduce Jasmine to Karen Kingsbury. While most parents would cringe at Jasmine reading stuff that isn't of deep educational value, I can only state that I'm taking this a step at a time. Jasmine, if she reads a book or two a month, will read more in one year than she has in the last five. Her reading disabilities will not be overcome by giving her books that have no interest for her. I need books, at least at first, that she can enjoy and get lost in. I need books that might engage her emotionally. While I have lots of selections on the list, I wanted to start with some things that won't challenge her reading level, but maybe just give it a small kick.
I have no intention of using Karen Kingsbury, no matter how much I enjoy her books on a personal level, as the main reading for my 15 year old. In fact, she begins The Swiss Family Robinson in just a few weeks. I also have lots of missionary stories and things planned for her. My goal, if possible, is to get her used to reading. Next year, I plan to buy a literature rich history and bible program for Jasmine and Laura to share. While there are two grades between them, Laura is a very advanced reader. I believe Jasmine could overcome her struggles enough to possible do Core 100 by Sonlight with Laura next year. This would be a high-school level program, and Laura would receive high school credit for it in the 8th grade. But, it seems to be a wonderful chance, if we prove ourselves this year to the courts, for Jasmine to catch a bit of a break with the traditional methods that haven't worked for her very well so far. I've already added Jasmine to the read aloud time I have with Laura. We are currently reading Elisabeth Elliot: Joyful Surrender.
The other book that I have chosen for Jasmine to begin reading is Beauty for Ashes by Joyce Meyer. Why would I pick a book about healing from abuse for a 15 year old? Because, for years, my step-daughter lived in a tough environment. She had to deal with some very bad things. She has spent a year just getting free from that life, and now is in the process of trying to heal. She sees a counselor, but the impact on her life from her childhood has caused even physical issues to form. She has several stress-related maladies that we are treating with specialists. Getting out of the environment is a help, but true healing comes from Christ. Joyce Meyer, while controversial in some circles, went through abuse herself. The Biblical methods and ways that helped her heal, I think, will impact Jasmine greatly.
The benefit of homeschooling is that curriculum can be tailored for each child. Areas of struggle can be focused on and addressed, whether in learning or emotional. While my methods might be a little unorthodox, I am praying God walks us through the next year for His Glory.
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