EDUCATOR SPOTLIGHT | Winter Break Literacy
Credit: GettyTips to Keep Students Reading Over Winter Break
By Stephanie Clagnaz, Ed.D.
Having time off from school has lots of benefits, but can also contribute to a slump in necessary reading skills. Having a break from school is important for students’ mental health, but how can we provide them with that needed break from school routines and simultaneously keep reading skills sharp? All readers need opportunities to continue reading, but this is particularly true for struggling readers to help prevent learning loss during out-of-school time. As we approach winter break from school, here are five tips to keep students’ reading.
Make time to read aloud to students every day. Think about out-of-the ordinary ways to read with children…snuggling under a blanket with a cup of hot cocoa; bundle up and read outdoors; go out when it’s dark to read under the moonlight! Ask younger children to point out letter-sound relationships. Older children can analyze the author’s craft - how the writer portrays suspense, character development, or the plot of the story.
Let the child select a book or article that interests them. If a student is interested in sports, provide selections that include the topic. Have a tween who wants all of the details about Taylor Swift? Offer a magazine article that talks about the Eras Tour! What they read is less important than keeping them reading! After reading about something that they love, have them write or draw about it. What was their favorite part? Why was it interesting?
Discuss the text with the students. As you read with the child, pause periodically to ask questions about the text. What is happening with the character in the book? Why do you think the character reacted that way? How did the character’s relationships with others influence the decision that was made? Move beyond simple questions and help children to examine what motivates a character to act in particular situations.
Consider a visit to a local library. It’s completely free and offers lots of choices for students of all ages, abilities, and interests. If the student doesn’t have a library card, apply for one. Most libraries have computers, tablets and other technology…have the student select a device and use it for reading if that appeals to them. Using a device to engage students in reading is just as beneficial as reading from a book or magazine.
Traveling? Read on the road! Point out signs, billboards, store fronts and other print that students come in contact with in their environment. Have students refer to digital maps and let them help to navigate the trip. Consider, too, an audio book that young people can listen to as they sit in a car or on a plane. This strategy helps to connect reading to real life.
