Sure we all read to our children when they were younger (even when they were still gumming their board books) but how many of us continue once our little ones are a bit bigger and reading independently? Here’s why you might want to grab a good book and cuddle up together for a good read this summer:
Children can hear and understand words and concepts that they might not yet be able to read on their own. Reading more difficult books to them out loud can help expand their vocabulary and knowledge. At the same time the greater detail and more vivid language in these books can help fuel an enthusiasm for independent reading.
Christianne Hayward of Christianne’ Lyceum suggests choosing books to read out loud that are at least two grades above your child’s own reading level. Also, choose high-quality literature and leave the more formulaic series for independent reading where the simple sentence structures and repetition can be great for developing readers.
Reading aloud to your child can set the stage for a lifetime of important discussions. Books often provoke lots of questions such as “would this happen in real life?” and other curious wonderings. These conversations can increase comprehension of the book, as well as develop analytical thinking skills. You might even want to provoke further discussion by reading two books in parallel: a novel alongside a non-fiction book on the same topic.
Hayward, who runs parent/child book clubs for preschoolers to Grade 12, finds that children who are used to discussing books with their parents often find it a lot easier to talk to them about big topics during their teens (sex, drugs, peer pressure, depression etc.). And that alone is worth the price of admission…
So when you head out to your local library next week to sign up for their summer reading program be sure to pick up a couple of books for reading together. Hayward’s book club lists offer plenty of ideas.
Summer Reading Clubs:
TD Summer Reading Club: tdsrc.torontopubliclibrary.ca
BC Summer Reading Club – Savour Each Word!: www.kidssrc.ca
Other essential resources for your summer of reading:
Kidsbooks (Metro Vancouver): www.kidsbooks.ca
Mabel’s Fables (Toronto): www.mabelsfables.com
TD Summer Reading Club Poster by Kim LaFave.