The Importance of Summer Reading

Summer Reading List for Students Entering 5th Grade

By maintaining an active literacy life over the summer, you ensure your child the best start to the next grade level!

IMPORTANT NOTE TO PARENTS: PLEASE DON’T BECOME CONCERNED OVER READING LEVELS

In Elementary school, each child is developing on their own continuum, and it is useless to assess your child’s strengths as a reader by his/her reading level alone. To develop strength as a reader, children need lots of time to read lots of books that are “just right” for their abilities.

FAQ: WILL HAVING MY CHILD READ HARDER BOOKS HELP THEM GET STRONGER AT READING?

Nope! Exactly the opposite can happen!

* It is critically important that children not read books that are too difficult for them. Research has shown that reading books that are at the “frustration level” can actually stunt a readers’ growth, or send them backwards in their development.

*When in doubt, help your child select books that feel “friendly/familiar” to other books they have enjoyed. Also, check out series books ‐ many of the books in this packet are part of a series. Not only is it fun to follow familiar characters through new adventures and experiences, but reading through a book series can help readers grow!

FAQ – MY CHILD REALLY CAN READ HARDER BOOKS THROUGH – AND WANTS TO! THEY CAN READ ALL THE WORDS ON THE PAGE WITHOUT MAKING MISTAKES. THEY EVEN SEEM TO KNOW WHAT’S GOING ON THE IN STORY. ARE YOU SURE I SHOULDN’T GIVE THEM MUCH HARDER BOOKS?

Good question, but proceed with caution!

* “Harder books” often deal with themes and issues that are more mature. These texts, while perhaps “readable” or “decodable” by your child, may not be developmentally appropriate for your child’s age. Also, please keep in mind that just because readers can read each word on the page smoothly and without error, does not mean that they are able to comprehend the sophisticated themes and layered plot lines that these texts may contain.

* If your child is desperate to read a harder book, read it aloud together!

* Their ability to comprehend a story by listening to it read aloud is much higher than their ability to understand it alone. Plus, it’s a lovely way to bond with your child over your shared love of reading! Have a safe and happy summer!

* Happy Reading and Writing! Please help your child select books that you are 100% confident your child can read independently with ease, and that are clearly written for readers the age of your child. You will see the results of this important, careful book selection work in September!

GREAT WEBSITES FOR CHILDREN’S BOOKS: http://www.hornbookguide.com, http://www.cbcbooks.org/readinglists/ , http://www.nsta.org/publications/ostb/ and http://www.nsta.org/recommends/