Search for More Information First
Before borrowing or buying a book, look for a description and sample of the book online, to check that it will be the right level and content for your child. By either using the keywords ‘free online sample’ and the book’s title, or searching for images using just the book’s title, you should be able to find sample pages of the book online.
Involve Your Child in the Choice of Books
Ideally, this browsing of books in the library, online or in a store, and the final choice, involves your child. The more they are involved in their reading choices, the more enthused and committed they will be to their reading.
Rule of Thumb: Variety
Another rule-of-thumb is to look for variety. Fiction is a terrific starting point, however there are so many different types of fiction books: realistic, fantasy, mystery etc. Non-fiction reading is another important branch of reading and there are many recent and popular examples of ‘Information texts’ that make non-fiction reading engaging and a whole lot of fun.
Set a Reading Guideline in Your Home
It is important to have a guideline at home that supports your child in taking the time to read. This kind of guideline is dependent on your child’s age but also different for every family. Maybe the practice in your household is to read together around the breakfast table and again in the evening. Maybe you have a more independent reader who is required to read at least 30 minutes every day by themselves. Or perhaps you have a reluctant reader, who benefits from a point system being involved (until they are hooked by reading itself!)
Don’t Forget- Reading is Fun!
Whichever guideline you have in your own household, one thing is more important than all else: reading is fun! If it becomes a chore or only a way to reach a reward, then the motivation to read will more easily fizzle out. Keep the spark of reading alive by making sure reading doesn’t become a duty. Children choosing their own books and own time and special environment to read in, can help with this.
Any questions, please contact the Teacher Librarian: tania.jordan@ycis.com
Recommended Reading Sites
To find more examples of age-appropriate and popular reading, visit these sites which are full of quality, recommended reading.
https://imaginationsoup.net/book-recommendations-age/
https://www.commonsensemedia.org/book-lists