Tips to Keep Reading During Long Breaks!

As a public school teacher in Chicago, when I think of how we are rapidly approaching our holiday break, it doesn't seem possible. However, I think we can all agree that when we look at the snow outside, the time is around the corner. Holiday break means many things: time spent with family, long to-do lists, and even longer shopping lists. With all this on your mind, it's easy to let these two weeks of instruction slip away, but I encourage you to use these days as an opportunity! Let's create a unique chance for you to continue your child's learning and spend valuable time with them in the process.

As a teacher focusing on multi-sensory instruction (I am trained in the Wilson Reading method) and assisting students in becoming stronger readers, I want to focus on reading in this article. This may seem obvious to some of you, but with extended time off from school, I highly recommend finding a short novel and reading that novel WITH your child. Reading to your children can be rewarding, as can seeing them curled up with a book, but as a teacher, I can honestly say few things are more rewarding or impactful than reading with a child. Following are some tips on how to make this a successful holiday venture. There are lots of different ideas so feel free to select your favorite or try all of them!

1. Talk with your students about the books they've read and enjoyed, books you've loved, or even movies you've both loved that you know are based on books. Get them psyched about how fantastic a book can be and then take them out to purchase a book with you as an early present. Buy one for everyone, yourself included. You can go to the library too, but maybe this will become a keepsake you can all cherish!

2. Read along with the audiobook from an app. This can save your voice while getting to listen to a professional read (sometimes even the author of the book!). It allows you and your student to really focus on the enjoying and comprehending the story.

3. Set aside 30 minutes to an hour each day to read the book. Overachiever? A quick search on Teacherspayteachers.com, Pinterest, or Google will likely reveal some instructional resources or lesson plans for reviewing your novel.

4. Grab a pencil, post-its, the book, and your audio and sit down with your children. Discuss what you know about the book, the author, and what you can learn based on the cover and the jacket. Did you know female authors are more likely to go by their initials to avoid being overlooked by readers? Engage your kids before they have even started reading.

5. Now the reading begins! As you listen, think about moments you would pause to think and do that out loud with your kids. Make notes in the margins or on your post-its and share them with your students. "This made me think..." "This reminds me of that one time your grandma and I..." You have a unique connection to the student that no one else does, so let that drive how the two of you connect to the book.

6. Listen to your child's reflections. As you tell them what you are thinking and feeling, listen to your children do the same. There may be something priceless to learn about one another in the pages of a book.

7. Ensure that your kids understand what they have read by having them briefly write after you finish reading. Ask them to spend 5 to 10 minutes writing their thoughts, or a summary, writing a prediction, or giving their opinions on a character. Read these, but do not make correcting them into a punishment. Let this be a safe space.

8. Email your child's teacher and see if this activity might be considered a book report. Not only do you have an awesome memory together, but maybe they can even get school credit for their efforts!

Continue working daily until you finish the novel, and look forward to bonding with your child in a new way. You never know, you may find yourself wanting to repeat this every break, and if you do, I applaud you for it!

Happy Holidays and Happy Reading!!!