By Emma Jan, Montclair State University student, FDA intern
Reading and writing go hand in hand, so it is important that our young writers are keeping up with their reading this summer. Getting kids to read over summer break might seem impossible.
So let’s turn impossible into possible.
First lets understand the importance of reading. Reading does a lot more than provide entertainment by telling a fun story. When children read they are able to learn things like sentence structure, story structure, and build a stronger vocabulary. Incorporating reading and writing together is one of the best ways for children to develop these skills.
Let's Read Together!
Parents can help strengthen their child’s reading skills by getting involved and showing interest in the books they are reading. Create a book club with them or just ask them about their book. Have them write it down as they go along with the story.
Questions to ask:
- Who is the main character?
- What is going on in the story right now? This will help them identify parts of the story structure.
- What events are building the tension in the story (rising action)?
- What is the turning point of the story (the climax)?
- What happens at the end (resolution)?
- What’s your favorite part and why?
- For a creative spin you could ask them how they would change the story or what they would add to it to make it even better – Maybe this will inspire them to write their own short story this summer!
Build a Bank of New Words!
Building bigger and stronger vocabulary is the best part about reading, and even better when children are able to use it in their own writing.
Here is how to help your child build their vocabulary.
- As your child reads they may come across some words that they won’t know. Have them create a word bank, where they write down the word and look up the definition.
- After looking up what that word means, using synonyms can help them remember what that word means when they re-read that paragraph in the book.
Ignite a Love of Choosing Books
Now that we have gone over all the important stuff you may still be asking yourself; How do I even get my child to pick up a book? Easy. Bring them to the public library or Barnes and Noble let them pick out a book they think is fun and interesting (even if it is a graphic novel). If you still need some suggestions here are some books recommended for middle school students:
- Among The Hidden (Shadow Children #1) by Margaret Peterson Haddix
- The Unteachables by Gordon Korman
- Middle School The Worst Years of My Life by James Patterson and Chris Tebbetts
- Surviving The Applewhites by Stephanie S Tolan
- The Outsiders by S.E.Hinton
- Hatchet by Gary Paulsen
- Good Different by Meg Eden Kuyatt
- Sweet and Sour by Debbi Michiko Florence
- Faker by Gordan Korman
- The Last Kids On Earth by Max Brallier
Reading is the key to improving writing skills for everyone. Let’s plan for a successful summer full of stories!