Keep Kids Reading And Learning This Summer
Summer can be a magical time for kids, and part of that magic should be the books they read. Sure, parents and teachers know that enjoying books in the summer helps children practice their reading skills. But don't tell the kids that! Instead, entice them with books that make reading fun. But what are the best ways to find good books and get your kids psyched about them?
As a longtime children's librarian, I see summer as a terrific time to give kids choice in their reading. During the year, teachers usually choose the books. In summer, kids want to choose their own-but they may need some help. One innovative Web-based program provides just the sort of assistance kids and parents are looking for, with a book-selection committee that chooses a range of books that kids will like-then combines the top book choices with engaging activities and a terrific online pen-pal program.
Summer is a great time for sparking kids' imaginations with fiction. They finally have time to read the mysteries, science fiction and funny books that aren't studied in school. Keep in mind that informational books grab certain kids, especially boys, more than fiction does. Baseball, experiments, insects, dogs-these are all topics that will get kids reading. In2Books offers books on these high-appeal topics and more in their summer reading series.
Make reading fun, and it will fit right into your children's idea of what summer should be. By the time school starts, your children will be refreshed by their reading adventures and eager for more.
Summer Picks, Grades 3-5
• "How to Talk to Your Dog," by Jean Craighead George;
• "Earthquakes," by Seymour Simon;
• "Batteries, Bulbs and Wires," by David Glover;
• "City of Ember," by Jeanne DuPrau;
• "Wolf Stalker," by Gloria Skurzynski; and
• "Bound for Oregon," by Jean Van Leeuwen.
Kathleen Odean is the chief librarian of In2Books and a past chair of the Newbery Award Committee. She is the author of "Great Books for Girls: More Than 600 Books to Inspire Today's Girls and Tomorrow's Women" and "Great Books for Boys: More Than 600 Books for Boys 2 to 14."
Summer break gives kids the opportunity to read all sorts of books that aren't part of the school curriculum.
More information can be found at www.in2books.com/summer.
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