Few people have more experience getting kids
excited about reading than librarians who staff school and local
libraries. So we asked a few to share what really works and what to do
to make sure your kid doesn't take a vacation from reading.
Full
of Summer Reading FunVisit your local public library
because there is so much going on and the enthusiasm of the librarians
is infectious. So many libraries do wonderful summer reading programs
for all ages. We actually have a program called "Teens & Tots" where
older kids read to younger kids — it's great to make that connection
between kids and both generations really enjoy it. We also hold a lot of
activities at night like story hours so parents can come after work
with their children — and we encourage parents to volunteer, which
really shows the kids that reading is important to adults as well.
Research
shows that if kids continue to read during the summer they don't lose
any of the skills, so we try to find ways to motivate kids like having
them keep reading logs and giving rewards and prizes. We also hold "Book
Bingo" and replace the numbers on the board with book titles and
library vocabulary. The kids get really excited to win the books we use
as prizes — it's so great to hear a kid yelling, "Yes! Yes! I just need
Dewey decimal!"
—Anita LaSpina, Librarian, Rockville Center,
NY
Show Children That Reading is Important to YouModel,
model, model.
It cannot be emphasized enough that children who observe their parents
reading become readers themselves. Make sure there are plenty of reading
materials scattered throughout the house — not just novels, but
magazines and newspapers as well.
Make reading a family activity.
When everyone gathers together at the end of a busy summer day, read a
book aloud.
It's a great way to unwind. A picture book is a fine choice, but
reading a book that will last several weeks or more extends the pleasure
and excitement.
— Jennifer Hubert Swan, Librarian at the
Little Red School House/Elisabeth Irwin High School, New York, NY
Make
Reading a Way to ConnectSome children respond better when
they know other children are going to read and respond to a book, which
is why book
discussion groups are great. I also think parents should be
required to read what their children read at all ages so they can really
connect with their child and be able to answer questions and instigate
discussion. This is one of the reasons parent/child book groups are so
great.
We also regularly hold online chats with authors of books
on our summer reading list, which kids can join from anywhere they can
get online. Kids get really excited to ask the authors questions and
just talk to a "real live" writer. We have a regular chat-room just for
children to talk about the books that they've read, which is catching
on.
— John Peters, Central Children's Room, The New York
Public Library
Set Reading Times and Find the Fun
in BooksThe number one golden rule is to make time to read
over the summer — parents should designate an hour a day just for
books, or set aside a time once a week to go to the library. There's so
much going on in the summer, so much temptation to be outside, that it's
important to schedule time just for reading. Have kids keep a reading
journal — even if it's just the book titles. Once the journal gets
filled up, there's a real sense of accomplishment that's very rewarding.
On
vacations, it's important to let kids pick out books they like to make
reading fun. Pay attention to what your children like and help them
select books — and don't forget about non-fiction — it's not just for
homework! There's a lot of rainy day value with cookie cookbooks and
craft and activity books.
Make storytime fun by creating a
story-puppet show. Or have your child use puppets and stuffed animals to
create a show based on a book for other kids or the rest of the family.
Another fun thing to do is to go on a field trip
with a book tie-in or two. And while you're on the road, always keep
magazines and books in the car.
— Dorie Freebury, Librarian,
Northville, MI
Take Reading on the RoadWhen
preparing for family road trips, stock up on audio books from your
library. Let your children choose some stories to listen to in the car.
Have family members share favorite ghost stories and/or adventure
stories around the campfire at picnics and on camping trips.
—
The American Library Association*
*Reprinted with
permission from the ALA
Source:
Friday, July 2, 2010
Keep Kids Reading All Summer


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