School Is Closed For Summer, But Keep Your Children’s Books Open
June 2, 2021 at 4:02 p.m.
By Staff Report-
However, children reading as little as 15 minutes a day can advance their reading levels. The more the child reads during vacation the greater the chance for advancement, according to a news release from Kosciusko Literary Services.
Kosciusko Literacy Services offers these suggestions to encourage reading:
• Area libraries offer summer reading programs. The librarians have developed programs to encourage reading. Take advantage of these resources.
• Build your child’s personal library. In addition to bookstores, children’s books may be purchased at garage sales, thrift stores and library sales.
• Share books with your friends. Start a playgroup to share books. Pass along books that your children have outgrown to younger relatives and friends or donate the books to preschools, daycare centers or library sales.
• Plan study topics for the week. Read books about monkeys one week, the rainforest the following week, the moon the next week, and continue with other topics. If your child shows a particular interest in a subject, spend more time and develop his or her interest. The children’s departments of libraries have non-fiction as well as fiction books at different reading levels. Search the internet for articles on the subjects your child finds interesting.
• Read to your children and have them read to you.
• Discuss the books your child is reading. Ask questions. Why do you think the character acted the way he did? Did the character in the book learn a lesson? Why does the moon have different shapes?
• Set a good example because parents who read have children who read.
The Indiana Youth Institute offers grade-specific tips to encourage summer reading:
Pre-K through first grade:
• Read daily to your child.
• Take your children to the public library and help them obtain their own library cards.
• Reread books and pause during your reading to allow your child to finish sentences.
• Keep markers, crayons, pens and paper on hand and encourage kids to make their own books.
Second and third grade:
• Have your child read recipes, then measure, and stir ingredients.
• Have older children read to younger siblings.
• Play games that involve reading.
• Have your child write a grocery list.
Fourth and fifth grade:
• Read aloud to them even if they can read alone. Link films and television shows to books.
• Let them stay up later if they are reading.
• Ask them to read schedules (movie, TV, etc.).
Sixth through eighth grade:
• Set aside family reading time; read separately but in the same room.
• Recommend books you enjoyed when you were their age.
• Encourage children to read aloud to others.
• Give reading-related gifts — books, gift cards from bookstores, or bookshelves.
Ninth through 12th grade:
• Set an example. Let your kids see you reading for pleasure.
• Build on your teen’s interests. Look for books and articles that feature their favorite sports teams, rock stars, hobbies or TV shows.
• Share books, newspaper articles, poems or other things you have read recently that they might enjoy.
Parents are their children’s life-long teachers. Encourage daily reading to help your children succeed. Read to Grow Children's Book Club, a program of Kosciusko Literacy Services, provides new books for qualifying preschool children living in low-income homes. Call 584-267-5380 for more information. Visit kcread.org to support literacy in Kosciusko County.
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However, children reading as little as 15 minutes a day can advance their reading levels. The more the child reads during vacation the greater the chance for advancement, according to a news release from Kosciusko Literary Services.
Kosciusko Literacy Services offers these suggestions to encourage reading:
• Area libraries offer summer reading programs. The librarians have developed programs to encourage reading. Take advantage of these resources.
• Build your child’s personal library. In addition to bookstores, children’s books may be purchased at garage sales, thrift stores and library sales.
• Share books with your friends. Start a playgroup to share books. Pass along books that your children have outgrown to younger relatives and friends or donate the books to preschools, daycare centers or library sales.
• Plan study topics for the week. Read books about monkeys one week, the rainforest the following week, the moon the next week, and continue with other topics. If your child shows a particular interest in a subject, spend more time and develop his or her interest. The children’s departments of libraries have non-fiction as well as fiction books at different reading levels. Search the internet for articles on the subjects your child finds interesting.
• Read to your children and have them read to you.
• Discuss the books your child is reading. Ask questions. Why do you think the character acted the way he did? Did the character in the book learn a lesson? Why does the moon have different shapes?
• Set a good example because parents who read have children who read.
The Indiana Youth Institute offers grade-specific tips to encourage summer reading:
Pre-K through first grade:
• Read daily to your child.
• Take your children to the public library and help them obtain their own library cards.
• Reread books and pause during your reading to allow your child to finish sentences.
• Keep markers, crayons, pens and paper on hand and encourage kids to make their own books.
Second and third grade:
• Have your child read recipes, then measure, and stir ingredients.
• Have older children read to younger siblings.
• Play games that involve reading.
• Have your child write a grocery list.
Fourth and fifth grade:
• Read aloud to them even if they can read alone. Link films and television shows to books.
• Let them stay up later if they are reading.
• Ask them to read schedules (movie, TV, etc.).
Sixth through eighth grade:
• Set aside family reading time; read separately but in the same room.
• Recommend books you enjoyed when you were their age.
• Encourage children to read aloud to others.
• Give reading-related gifts — books, gift cards from bookstores, or bookshelves.
Ninth through 12th grade:
• Set an example. Let your kids see you reading for pleasure.
• Build on your teen’s interests. Look for books and articles that feature their favorite sports teams, rock stars, hobbies or TV shows.
• Share books, newspaper articles, poems or other things you have read recently that they might enjoy.
Parents are their children’s life-long teachers. Encourage daily reading to help your children succeed. Read to Grow Children's Book Club, a program of Kosciusko Literacy Services, provides new books for qualifying preschool children living in low-income homes. Call 584-267-5380 for more information. Visit kcread.org to support literacy in Kosciusko County.
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