I'm going to make the best of the fact that I can only manage audio books and the occasional e-book right now and tell you each week what I'm "reading" in a new feature here on Lost in the Library called Plugged In.
The "Summer Slide" has become a familiar term to those who work in education as well as parents. What is the Summer Slide? Essentially, it's the academic loss that children experience over the summer holidays. I've often been asked by parents at the library how to prevent their children from experiencing the feared "Summer Slide"
My advice is simple- "Kids who read succeed!"
But how do you incorporate reading into a daily activity in the summer without it seeming like school? I've had this dream of creating a book club for my son and his friends. With visions of them reading a book each week and then meeting to discuss our thoughts and feelings over a pitcher of lemonade and cookies. When I proposed this to my son, the horrified look on his face said it all. He also reminded me that Greg Heffley's mom from Diary of a Wimpy Kid also tried to create a book club for Greg and his friends.(This is just going to prove his point that I am very much like Susan Heffley)
It would be wonderful to walk past your childs bedroom and see them curled up with a book each night. Or even see them turn off the TV and curl up on the couch. Truth is, this doesn't always happen. Reading incentives work. Summer Reading Programs around North America are created on this premise and they are successful because of it. So, in addition to visiting a library and having your child sign up and participate in one of these fantastic programs, why not also provide a reading incentive at home. Here's my example:
Using stickers, or stamps, have your child mark the different places he or she has read for at least 20 minutes. The only rules are that only one square can be marked each day, and the reading should be a book at their level (no board books for a 12 yearold for example) for at least 20 minutes. Once the "bingo card" is full, have your child choose a fun family activity that you can do together as the "reward". You can create more cards to get you through the summer holidays by coming up with ideas for new places together.
**Take it a step further and create a visual reading log. You or your child (depending on their age) can take pictures of all the places they read this summer, and the books they read while there.**
I'd love to hear your thoughts and ideas about preventing the "Summer Slide" in the comments.
Happy Reading!!!!
(originally posted on my www.storytimewithjen.com site)
Published by Source Books/ Jabberwocky November 2011
Source: Provided by Publisher
Summary:
You know all those stories that claim fairies cry sparkle tears and elves travel by rainbow? They're lies. All lies. I've spent my life as an official adventurer. I travel across enchanted kingdoms saving magical creatures and fighting horrible beasts that most of you think are only myths and legends. I've never had a social life. My friends have all forgotten me. And let's not even talk about trying to do my homework. So -- I'm done!! I'm tired and I want to go back to being a normal girl. But then along comes "Prince Charming" asking for help, and, well, what's a tired girl like me supposed to do? My Thoughts: I was hooked in the first few pages. The main character is Jenny, a believable 12 yea r old who possesses this fantastic, quirky, sarcastic voice. I was immediately reminded of the character of Evie from Kiersten White’s Paranormalcy, only a younger version for a younger audience (minus the Pink Taser, although Jenny did have a pink golf ball). I loved the twist that fairy tale creatures are not as lovely as they seem, who’d have guessed that Unicorns were so ill-tempered . Dealing with family, school and friend issues would be enough for anyone, but Jenny is also an Adventurer, hired by the mysterious “Committee” who must rescue Kingdoms and defeat evil. The story was well-paced and had enough action to occupy even the most restless reader. Great middle grade read for kids who have enjoyed books like Ella Enchanted by Gail Carson Levine and How to Ditch Your Fairy by Justine Larbalestier.
The publisher Sourcebooks is providing one copy for a lucky resident of the United States or Canada.
Please leave a comment on this post to enter.
Winner will be chosen at random on Monday April 15th and will have 48 hours to reply once notified.
Each week we are invited to post a list on a variety of book –related topics.
I haven’t participated in a while but this week’s topic spoke to me!
I am so guilty of rushing out to get a new release or a book I am dying to read only to have it sit on my shelf. I also pre-order my favourite authors so I have it as soon as it comes out and they sit on my shelf too. Here’s a list of the Top Ten books I couldn’t wait to get my hands on, but haven’t cracked open yet.
Shine by Lauren Myracle
Dearly Departed by Lia Habel
Bloodlines by Rachel Mead
Matched/Crossed/Reached by Ally Condie
Juliet Immortal by Stacey Jay
Faerie Ring by Kiki Hamilton
Immortal Rules by Julie Kagawa
The Girl of Fire and Thorns by Rae Carson
The Sky is Everywhere by Jandy Nelson
The Gathering by Kelley Armstrong
Do we have any in common? Which one should I make a priority to read next?
