Much Ado About Summer Reading
Must-Reads for Summer!
You hear the groans from students and parents alike as every June the teachers merrily wave the students on their way to summer vacation with cries of, “Have fun! Get plenty of fresh air! Swim safely! Read! Read! Read! You have books to read by September.”
Why do schools do this? Research shows that kids who read during the summer do better in school. It’s that cut-and-dry. These students not only become stronger readers, but their writing and spelling skills also improve. By making sure to read a few books during the summer months, kids are doing themselves a big favor. But try telling that to someone who just wants to hang out with their friends!
What can parents do to encourage reading during the summer break?
To get the reading off to a good start, engage your reader in the selection process. Forget your own ideas about what constitutes a “classic” and let them choose their own books from the list, if one has been provided by a teacher. If your child hasn’t had a summer reading list provided by the school, create one by surfing online. Look for Web sites that highlight award-winning books, like mommypicks.com. Make sure your child has takes an active role in creating the list with you. If they have a vested interest in the book, they’re more likely to stick with it ’til the end?
Next, head to the store, library, or online bookstore with two or three ideas in mind. Explain that while a cover may look cool, or a title may sound catchy, it helps to read the back cover blurb or the online summary to see if the story sounds interesting. Next—and for some of you this may be the biggest challenge—let them go to it. Let them look around. Stay close in case there are questions, but choosing one’s own book gives the reader ownership. That alone may go a long way to getting the book read without a fight.
How to get the pages turning …
Once the books arrive at home, your best bet to a hassle free experience is to share the reading. Depending on age and ability parents can read the book to the child, alternate reading one page with each other, or listen to your child read aloud for a while and you finish up the chapter. Kids of all ages love to have a story read to them—some are just more willing to show it more than others.
But it’s summer - how will I find the time? Studies show that children with parents who are actively involved in their schooling process do better at school. By taking the time to read with your child you are opening the door to a life-long love of books.
Express yourself!
Still not working? Go over the story together one chapter at a time and then talk about it so you are sure they were understanding the plot. But try not to ask straight question! Instead, ask your reader for their explanation. For example, say you didn’t get the point about something a character said, and can they help. Their answer, as they roll their eyes, will let you know if they are “getting it.”
Another way to get students to read is to have them record themselves reading the book. It can be a long process and one you are best not to get too involved in as kids like to read the story, listen to themselves, laugh hilariously and then re-read the story again but this time “with feeling.” Once done your reader can play the recording back to you as they show you the pictures and enjoy your reaction. If it is a chapter book, this process will be a long one, so get things going them by reading a chapter first and then have them record one. You may not have the energy to keep recording it, but by this time you are already into chapter three and, with luck, the reader will be hooked.
Above all, make it obvious that you are enjoying the reading experience. You never know, you may discover some new authors and hidden gems that will give your “classics” a run for their money.
Posted by Claire Fripp, book enthusiast, elementary and middle school English teacher, and mother of three.
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