Literacy, second only to working with a tutor, is one of the best ways to build comprehension and writing skills for those who need writing help, but summer reading also can be the activity your children dread the most.
But it doesn’t have to be this way! This summer make a game out of reading and challenge your children to read these 6 types of books to help improve their comprehension and reading skills!
1) A Classic
Reading classic literature is a great way to increase vocabulary. The complexity of the language also pushes the reader to strengthen the use of their context clues to comprehend the text. Classics also can help improve vocabulary. That’s why it’s perfect for students trying to improve their writing skills!
Worried your child is too young for the classics? Here’s a short list of middle-grade classics:
- Charlotte’s Web by E.B. White
- The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe by C.S. Lewis
- A Wrinkle in Time by Madeline L’Engle
- Anne of Green Gables by Lucy Maud Montgomery
2) A Non-fiction
Non-fiction books are another staple you should add to your children’s summer reading lists, not just because they are informational, but also because they are entertaining. Pick a topic that your child is interested in, and they will devour your non-fiction choice.
3) A Newberry Honor
Newberry awards are given to books of the most distinguished children’s author from the year before. These awards signify that the books are both noteworthy AND beneficial to the development of children’s literacy.
If your child falls within the recommended age range for a Newberry book, choosing one or more for summer reading is a great way to introduce your child to literature that pushes their comprehension skills and introduces them to complex sentence structures they can emulate in their own writing.
4) Poetry
Poetry is not just literature; it is an art form to be experienced. That is why everyone should read at least one book of poetry in their lifetime.
Reading poetry also helps children pick up on rhyme schemes and find patterns within their own writing. Repetition and patterns are not only useful for poetry; using these devices also can elevate essays and other types of written assignments.
5) Fantasy/Sci-Fi
If there is one genre that every child should read at least once, it’s the fantasy/sci-fi genre. These are the novels that let the imagination run wild. And a healthy imagination is key for creativity in children (and adults).
An extensive imagination isn’t just for creative writing either; creativity can be brought into any writing assignment to add personality into the writing. Adding those elements is the sign of a skilled writer.
6) Free Choice
To make this challenge enjoyable for your children, at least one of the books they read this summer should be entirely up to them to choose! Choosing what to read gets them reading, and they are more likely to enjoy what they read!
If you still find your children struggling, a writing tutor may be the best option for them. Working with a tutor allows your child to get specialized attention in the areas where they struggle the most.
WriteAhead is an online tutoring service offering personalized digital feedback in conjunction with the real time assistance of an online writing tutor. Our writing tutors are specialists in helping writers achieve their goals through powerful writing suited to the requirements of the writing project. WriteAhead is a tutoring service passionate about writing well. To learn more and schedule a free consultation visit, www.writeahead.com.