(Jamie reading to Corey, Aiden, & Simon in 2006)
Most of you know that my husband is an English major. And I'm a big nerd, too. Our house is packed with books and we even have boxes of them in storage because there's no room for them all on our bookshelves. Every night, Jamie reads to the boys and we both spend time reading in bed before falling asleep.
Obviously, reading is important in our family. That's why I'm happy to team up with the Wright Group in promoting summer reading. We've gone to the library already to get our summer reading program materials. If you haven't already, check with your local public library to see if they have summer programs for kids. Ours has prizes for kids who complete 15 hours of reading or read a certain number of books. But it's not just going to the library that can keep your kids reading. Check out these tips from Charlene Cobb, author of one of the Wright Group/McGraw-Hill reading programs:
- Create a summer escape in your home perfect for reading. Make sure there is good light and comfortable seating to entice your kids to spend time there.
- Even if your children can read by themselves, take turns reading to each other. This helps build their skills as they listen to your tone and inflection throughout the story or article. Before, during and after you read, talk about the material. Ask you child questions and encourage you child to ask you questions
- Whether you are reading to your children or they are reading themselves, plan an event or activity that ties to the reading material. For instance, book reading can lead to picnics, museum and zoo visits, ballgames, or even family vacations.
- Look for opportunities for your child to read. If you have a manual for a new DVD player, ask your child to read you the directions. Grocery lists and “to do” lists are also good items to help kids practice reading in “real life.”
- Share the reading experience with your child by reading the same book or material they are reading so you can discuss it
- Even if you are not reading the same books as your children, talk to them about what they are reading. Ask them questions such as what happened in the story or what might happen next, who is their favorite character, or who is the villain. This builds summarization and recall skills, and your interest can help increase their interest.
- If your children’s school program provides materials for home activities, absolutely use them.
- Suggest your child read a popular series that has been turned into movies like the Harry Potter or Chronicles of Narnia books. When your child finishes reading the book, rent or go see the movie and discuss how each differed from the other and whether the book or movie was more enjoyable.
- Look for materials beyond fiction. Kids often prefer to read about facts, including books and articles about the environment, animals, current events, sports, and other factual topics. Talk to them about what they like and help them find reading materials that match those interests.
- Try to set aside at least one TV/video-game-free night per week for family reading. Make your family’s favorite snacks, get new books at the library and make it fun!
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26 comments:
This giveaway is awesome. You know I love me some books.
Whoops. The previous comment was from Sage's mommy, Elaina.
Also, you know I subscribe to your blog.
I tweeted you! (Naughty!)
I follow you on facebook.
and what else...oh yeah, I wrote about this entry on Facebook.
I sit down with the kids three times a day for story time after each meal, they love it and on the 23rd when I have surgery Dan will have to do story time so he will have it hard that day
We are going to visit the library a lot over the summer. And join some reading clubs there too.
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I encourage both kids to sign up for the summer reading programs and we read every night (as we do year round).
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Love Love Love these tips for summer reading!!!
I always have age appropriate books around on any of the subjects that might be of interest to my 10 yr old son.I have been collecting books for him since he was born...His main interests over the last few years have been Star Wars, Dinosaurs, Rocks and Fossils,and Knights.
He really enjoys the Time Warp Trio Books and The Magic Tree House Series.
Half of the more than 1,000 books in our home are children's books.
Many of them were obtained from yardsales or thift shops in almost new condition.
This summer I coordinated a summer reading program sponsored by our local community Development Foundation and it has been a big hit with the kids.
Reading is my passion! One of the happiest days of my life was when my son came to me at about age 6 or 7 with a book in his hand and said, "Mama, I just love to read"!
I have a poem in my book Reflections of a Mississippi Magnolia about my love of reading, entitled "Bookworm"
I am getting my daughter to participate in the summer reading program at the library and also letting her use my laptop to go to educational sites the school has recommended so she will be ready for second grade in the fall!
micaela6955 at msn dot com
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micaela6955 at msn dot com
My daughter is only 10 months old, so we mainly work on reading to her daily, both her daddy and I are avid readers, we really want to help her foster that!
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At preschool we encourage reading all year 'round and don't take a summer break. We encourage our students to bring a favorite book from home on Wednesdays pertaining to our theme, but of course they can bring any book they like.
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We have joined the local reading summer club at our library - It really helps keep my kids on track!
Brea and I read at least one book a day! Thanks
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