Middle School Summer Reading 2015

DID YOU KNOW?!?!

Endless research proves that reading is one of the most important and fundamental skills children need to master to succeed in not only school but life. Almost everything we do requires some form of reading and it is one of  the best practices to stimulate intellectual development in children.

Research shows that independent reading enhances students’ reading comprehension, language and vocabulary development, general knowledge, and empathy for others, as well as their self-confidence as readers, motivation to read throughout their lives, and positive attitudes toward reading

• There are several predictors that children ages 6–17 will be frequent readers. Three dynamics among the most powerful predictors are:
• being more likely to rate themselves as “really enjoying reading”
• a strong belief that reading for fun is important and
• having parents who are frequent readers.
• Additional factors that predict children ages 6–11 will be frequent readers include reading aloud early and often, specific characteristics kids want in books and spending less time online using a computer.
• Additional factors that predict children ages 12–17 will be frequent readers include reading a book of choice independently in school, e-reading experiences, a large home library, having been told their reading level and having parents involved in their reading habits.

• A recent study shows 91% of kids ages 6-17 say that their favorite books are the ones they pick out themselves
• Kids of all ages 6-17 say they want "books that make me laugh." (70%)*
• Research shows 40% of kids ages 6-11 who are no longer read aloud to say they wish their parents had continued. In addition, more than 80% of kids ages 6-17 say they loved or liked a lot being read aloud to.*
• Set a goal and see how many books you can read together in one summer. Be a role model! Read aloud the sports section in your backyard during a lazy Sunday or a comic book together while in line at the grocery store.
• 71% of kids say, "I'm more likely to finish a book I choose myself."* Take their favorite book one step further and create a themed reading party.