Go to the Library
Your public library can be a great help as you encourage your children to read during the summer. Why is it important? If you want your children maintain or improve their reading levels during the summer, you need to keep them reading. You'll find special summer reading programs for both elementary and teen readers at most public libraries.Get Books at the Right Reading Level
You need to keep two things in mind when helping your children choose books: their reading levels and their interests. Check with your children's teachers at the end of the school year to find out their reading levels. Then, ask your children what they'd like to read. The children's librarian at the public library should have booklists to help you find books at the appropriate reading level.If you are buying children's books, many show the reading level on the upper right hand corner of the front cover (books for beginning readers) or on the bottom of the back cover (books for intermediate and young adult readers). Remember that different publishers use different criteria to set reading levels so you may need to try several publishers and books to determine the best fit for your children.
To get an idea of what some of the recommended books are for each grade level, you can also make use of online resources, such as the About Children's Books Age/Grade Booklists directory of links. Another good resource is Children's Choices, which develops annual booklists of children's favorite books. They are divided into three sections: Beginning and Young Readers (Ages 5-7), Intermediate Readers (Ages 8-10), and Advanced Readers (Ages 11-13).
Librarians at member schools of the Houston Area Independent Schools Library Network (HAISLN)have prepared an excellent, briefly annotated, list of recommended fiction and nonfiction for childen. It is organized by grade level, from pre-kindergarten through twelfth grade. The annual ALA Notable Books List,which includes many award winning books is also an excellent resource. See my Top 10 Summer Reading Lists for Kids and Teens for more good booklists.
Get Books that Your Children Will Like
If you children like chapter books, check out the About Children's Books Chapter Books directory. One of the best ways to keep your children reading on a regular basis is to find a series of books that they like. If your children like a particular genre or type of story, there are also plenty of specialized reading lists and books for children and young adults.Some children are particularly interested in nature and science, and there are excellent nonfiction books for young readers, such as the Scientists in the Field series. Another popular nonfiction (and fiction) topic is dinosaurs.
Read Aloud to Your Children
A good way to encourage your children to read (or to prepare young children for reading) is to read aloud to them on a daily basis. While enjoying the books, the children will also be improving their listening and vocabulary skills. You can take turns reading or you can do all of the reading. If you enjoy taking turns, try I'll Read to You, You Read to Me by poet Mary Ann Hoberman. For hints on reading to small children, I recommend Reading Magic, which was written by children's book author and literacy consultant Mem Fox. For information on good books to read aloud and research on the value of reading aloud to your children, I'd suggest The Read-Aloud Handbook, by Jim Trelease.Try the Classics
Summer is also a great time to introduce your children to some of the classics of children's literature. The Horn Book Magazine maintains an excellent annotated list of children's classics on its Web site. The 14-page "Children's Classics, A Booklist for Parents," is available in PDF format for you to easily print or download.Check out the Tips From Reading Is Fundamental
The Web site of the literacy organization Reading is Fundamental (RIF) has a special section filled with tips and articles on encouraging your child to read during the summer. On the RIF Reading Planet Web site for 6-15 year olds, your kids can ramp up their summer reading by participating in the Reading Planet Grand Prix.
Let Me Know What Works
Have a great summer, and let me know if your children get involved in a summer reading programs that motivates them to read or if you have books to recommend.
