Book List for Summer Reading!

You hear the groans from kids and parents alike as every June teachers merrily wave the students on their way to summer vacation with cries of, “Have fun! Enjoy the sun! Don’t get too crazy! Read! Read! Read! Make sure you read at least three novels before the fall.”

Why do schools do this? Research shows that children who read during the summer holidays do better in school. Yes, it’s that obvious. These students not only become stronger readers, but also show improvement in writing and spelling. By reading during the summer months students are doing themselves a big favor. But try telling that to someone who just wants to sleep, play and hang out!

What is the best way to encourage summer reading?

The first step might be a difficult one – helping your child find the right books. 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 browsing online. Look for Web sites that highlight award-winning books, like mommypicks.com. Make sure your reader has a lot of input in the list you create together. The plain truth is that if your child doesn’t like the book they won’t read it—would you?

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 they may have made a movie out of it, it helps to read the back cover blurb or the online summary to see if the story sounds interesting. Then—and for some of you this may be the biggest challenge—give them some breathing room. 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.

You’re probably thinking, this seems like a lot of work for me, doesn’t it? Studies show that children with parents who are actively involved in their schooling process do better at school. By taking an interest in what your child is reading and participating in the experience, you are showing them that reading is something you also enjoy.

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 comprehending the story line. But don’t ask for a book report! Instead, ask your reader for their explanation. Just say you didn’t get the point about something, and can they help. Their answer, as they roll their eyes and sign, will let you know if they are in fact “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. Neither of you may 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.

Most important of all, let your love of reading show. You never know, you may discover some new authors and hidden gems that will give your “classics” a run for their money.

As an elementary and middle school English teacher with more than 20 years experience, Claire Fripp knows a thing or two about encouraging kids to read.