.jpeg)
It’s the middle of summer (here in the Northern Hemisphere), and kids are out of school. As a former middle school English teacher, I have to say, this is my favorite time of year. Summer break is great for rebooting, refreshing, and relaxing. Personally, I could sit outside and read all day. However, I know that isn’t what my students are doing.
When we return at the end of summer, it takes weeks to get most students back into learning. There’s one sure way to keep your child’s mind in that learning zone while still rebooting and relaxing. Read and write. Immerse them in words.
Before your child entered middle school, they might have been an avid reader, enjoyed regular library visits, didn’t mind writing that English essay now and again. Unfortunately, once adolescence is in full swing, even an enjoyable read by the pool can be a challenge.
Hormones can wreak havoc on a once quiet child. That’s what makes it a perfect time to introduce new genres and new learning tasks. Their minds are a mess, but they’re also hungry.
Here are five ways I keep my adolescent readers engaged and curious about words.
Keep up the library visits. Many libraries have teen clubs and special events in the summer. Drop them off for an hour or so each day, and tell them you’ll see them in an hour. No expectations. Soon, they’ll find a buddy to join them. The point is to make a routine. There are many things to do in the library: read books, peruse magazines, engage with librarians and other teens there, play games, learn a craft, and, yes, there are computers.
Reinvent pen pals. They can write emails, letters, or postcards to distant relatives or find a safe match online. Encourage them to write in complete sentences, not textspeak.
Start or join a book club. Book clubs are a great way to force a reading schedule. You can find organized clubs through your library or local bookstore. Or start your own. Talk to other parents, or, if your bookstore will allow, offer to get one going with them. That way, your child can choose the book. (Insert shameless plug.)
Create a competition. If all else fails, bribe your kid to read and write. Seriously. Create a reading/writing challenge. When your child completes it (or offer benchmarks along the way), reward them: a trip to a nearby lake with friends; gift certificate to a bookstore; a sleepover adventure in the backyard… The key is to keep it low or no-cost and focussed on family, learning, or nature.
Read together. If you can, create a time when the whole family unplugs and reads. Like in the old days, lol. Nothing beats the silence of sitting together while engaged in different imaginary worlds.
Good luck, and please share your adventures with us!!
That's my story, what's yours?
Comments