Those two words can sometimes provoke a feeling of dread in our students. They somehow get translated to mean a task that needs to be completed, in as little time as possible, just prior to the buses pulling up to the stop in September. We SO want to change that feeling! We want those two words to conjure the sense of an opportunity to read in a way that might be a little more relaxed, and a little more extended, than during the regular school year.
By now you have received our Summer Reading Lists. Families often ask us how many of the books a child should read. One? Two? Our answer is simple; all of them and then some! Becoming an independent and engaged reader is one of the single largest influences impacting a child’s academic growth. There just isn’t any substitute for it. Vocabulary, new knowledge, points of view, and ideas are presented in books in a manner that can’t be replicated any other way. There are 3 key ideas to keep in mind in supporting students who read:
- Variety: The Narnia Chronicles and Harry Potter series are often the hook in getting students engaged and motivated to read. We love a good series! It is important to remember that a broad exposure to different genres helps to build an open mind. It is true what they say: You can’t judge a book by its cover. Pick up a book of poems, or a non-fiction title over fiction. And if your child gets one or two chapters in and doesn’t like the book…close it and try another.
- Rigor: Don’t be intimidated by a book that might seem to present a little challenge. Reading ability gets stronger when books cause a student to focus, re-read and maybe even have to look up a word now and then. Experts recommend looking at 5 random pages in a book to test out the readability. It won’t be long before students find that sweet spot.
- Amount: A little bit of reading, every day, goes a long way. The daily habit of reading can be instilled at any age – it’s not too late! Newspapers and magazines are a great source for short bursts of reading. We always recommend a hard copy of the New York Times because of its high-interest articles. Each day of the week has a unique section, but students might have particular interest in these: Monday (Sports), Tuesday (Science), Wednesday (Food) and Thursday (Arts). Grab a copy next time you are out and just take a look. We get ten copies a day delivered here at school so that your child can always get their hands on a newspaper.
In Daniel Willingham’s new book, Raising Kids Who Read, the University of Virginia psychology professor writes, “To engender positive reading attitudes, students need to have positive reading experiences. They need to see themselves as readers. And they need to have books that they enjoy readily available.”
To help you keep a steady supply of books readily available, check out one of our terrific local libraries-there’s one near YOU!:
Maxwell Memorial Library
Onondaga Free Library
School will begin again before we know it. In the meanwhile, we wish you a summer full of good books!
We Celebrate Learning!
Beth
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