Choosing high interest books is very important for
average readers. Remember that comic books, magazine
articles, and even reading instructions for putting
together model airplanes count as reading. Be creative
and find reading materials that motivate your average
reader. You’ll be glad you did.
Fluent Readers
It’s tempting to think that fluent readers don’t need to
practice their reading skills over the summer. After all,
they’re cruising. But think of the learning opportunities
they’ll miss if they don’t find good books to read
all summer.
In addition, studies have shown that vocabulary is the
single best predictor of success in higher learning and
reading is the best possible way to grow vocabulary
knowledge. Even fluent readers need to keep honing
their skills and may need to branch out into new genres
such as biographies, poetry, science fiction, or topical
non-fiction books to broaden their reading abilities.
Great thinkers are good readers. Independent learners
need excellent reading skills to take off on their own
projects. Find some lists of excellent reading in various
genres. Encourage your fluent reader to both read and
extend knowledge through art projects or other creative
activities. Guide them to select quality literature.
Reading is the foundation for excellence in academic
performance.
Be Intentional
You’ll find more success in incorporating reading into
your summer schedule if you’re intentional about it.
Set a time of day for a reading break and stick to it
as much as possible. Make trips to the library part of
your summer outings. Take advantage of your local
bookstore’s summer reading program or their read-
aloud times.
You might enjoy having a family summer reading
challenge to encourage reading a certain number of
pages or books. Be sure to offer a motivating prize
when your reader meets his or her goals.
Check out great reading websites such as pbs.org,
ala.org (American Library Association) or look up your
child’s favorite author websites. Jan Brett, Kevin Henkes,
and Jon Scieszka have wonderful sites to encourage
reading.
And here are three more sites with lists of books
appropriate to all age levels: www.neh.gov/news/
summer-timefavorites
www.haisin.org/reading-lists.html (lists for pre-school
through grade 12)
Especially for boys: www.thoughtco.com/librarians-
recommend-books-for-boys-627556
And check out this article by Elizabeth Kennedy, “10
Tips to Help You Raise Kids Who Love Reading”, also at
www.thoughtco.com.
Happy Summer Reading!
Jan Pierce, M.Ed., is a retired teacher and author of
Homegrown Readers and Homegrown Family Fun:
Unplugged. Find Jan at www.janpierce.net.