Independent Reading and Independent Bookstores
Independent Reading and Independent Bookstores
Summer is a great time for independent reading, when kids have extra time and the opportunity to read whatever they want.
To get everyone into an independent reading mood, check out a local independent bookstore. While I get most of my book suggestions online these days, there is no substitute for browsing at a bookstore, picking up the books, paging through them, and maybe finding one that sparks your interest. As a plus, many bookstores offer story hours, author visits, and book groups. The vibe at bookstores is usually peaceful, and the employees, often passionate about books, might lead you and your children to winning books. Although you have to pay for these books, there is nothing like having a brand new book of your own. And you will be supporting writers, editors, and publishers.
Getting out of a Reading Slump
Have you been urging your children to read all summer, only to meet with resistance? Most of us know that reading for pleasure improves reading fluency, spelling, grammar, writing, empathy, and general knowledge. Improving fluency and comprehension this summer sets children up for success during the school year. But sometimes it is hard to get started. Here are some tips to get your kids motivated:
- Don’t feel like reading something new? Re-read a favorite book.
- Don’t feel like challenging yourself with a demanding book? Read an easy book.
- Not into fiction? There must be something new you want to learn about. Try nonfiction.
- Do books seem too long and daunting right now? Read articles in your areas of interest.
- Do you like cartoons and pictures? Read a graphic novel or comic book.
- Does reading feel lonely? Read with other family members.
- Do you want your book to come alive? Take turns reading with a parent, using expression.
- Do you prefer listening to books? Listen to a family-friendly recorded book on car trips.
- Do you want to share what you read? Try a mother/daughter or father/son (etc.) book group to discuss the book.
- Schedule reading time into most days to keep reading a priority!
Summer Workbooks for Reading and Math
Summer workbooks are a great way to practice various skills, including reading comprehension, point of view, vocabulary, grammar, and math. Just one page a day is usually manageable. You can pick out a workbook that best matches your child’s grade level. I recommend Summer Brain Quest Workbook.
Other ways to practice math:
- Practice math facts and multiplication tables in the car.
- Practice fractions by baking and doubling or halving the recipe.
- Play board games, puzzles, and logic games.
- Play interactive, online math games.
- Practice mental arithmetic at odd moments.
Polishing Executive Function Skills
A big part of learning includes soft skills like keeping track of assignments, being on time for class, and managing time. Here are some ways to improve executive function skills at home this summer:
- Add more structure to August days by having a loose daily schedule that includes wake-up time, lunch time, dinner time, bedtime, reading/math time, and a daily activity.
- Limit screen time and replace this with trips to the pool, a museum, or a friend’s house.
- Teach your children to use alarms to wake themselves up occasionally in the summer, and every day once school begins.
- Expect your children to complete chores daily, and offer reward incentives.
- Have family dinners where family members can discuss personal goals and ways to reach those goals.
- If your child struggles with organization, it may be helpful to set them up with an academic coach right when school starts to develop personalized organizational systems.
With a little preparation in August, your children will be mentally ready and excited for the new school year.
Set up tutoring or academic coaching with a professional tutor
Tutoring For Success in August
Many of our students have taken a well-deserved break from school and tutoring this summer. Some students are using the summer to help prepare for the next school year, prep for SAT’s and ACT’s, and work on college essays. Here are some of the best ways to use a tutor in August:
Reading
Summer is a wonderful time to read for pleasure and to also read new genres that may not feel as comfortable, such as science fiction, historical fiction, biographies, or memoirs. A tutor can discuss books, short stories, or articles with their students and help them interpret them at a deeper level.
Writing
While many students are willing to read for pleasure during the summer, fewer are willing to practice writing. A writing tutor can work with students on improving essay writing using topics that the student may be interested or passionate about. They will have the opportunity to improve their grammar, sentence structure, paragraph structure, word choice, transitions, and find their voice.
Math
A tutor can give your child an assessment that covers the math that was taught this school year to find out if any of it needs review. Summer is also a great time to work on math facts and word problems, and preview next year’s course.
Preparing for SAT’s and ACT’s
Many students are extremely stressed with their homework, extracurricular activities, and getting enough sleep during the school year. This is why summer is an excellent time to prepare for the SAT or ACT, when it is easier to find time to focus and practice. Although many colleges no longer require test scores, scoring well on a standardized test still gives students an advantage at a test-optional college. During the summer, students have more time to fit in practice problems assigned by the tutor in between sessions.
Preparing College Essays
For rising seniors, summer is an excellent time to begin one or more college essays. Many colleges require several essays, and it is very stressful to do all of this in the fall. In the summer, students can take the time to think of a topic that will make them shine and express it in a unique and meaningful way. Several of our tutors specialize in helping students with college essay writing.
Choosing Colleges
For high school seniors, college coaches can help students narrow down college choices and map out requirements and deadlines. Several of our tutors also do college coaching.
