It’s vacation time for a lot of families, and that means there’s a chance to dive into a longer story together. It’s easy to either stay with picture books when reading with 4-6 year olds, or let young readers ages 6+ just read on their own. But to maximize children’s reading skill growth, engage them in a chapter book on occasion, too. Here’s why:
Reading chapter books together
As an empty nester long past the reading-to-kids stage, I’m envious of the opportunity young parents have to share a great and extended story with their kids. Besides all the reading skills that are learned along the way, there is a bonding that goes on when you spend a number of days or nights sharing a longer story with your children. When an unfolding plot mesmerizes you all, you share a space away from the everyday, and you each hold onto an intimate memory that surely contributes to a love of books and reading forever.
So whether you are staying home or traveling, or even if there isn’t a formal week’s vacation on your calendar, take the time this weekend to find a book for next week. When you generate family excitement around a shared chapter book experience, it will pay dividends for years to come.
Book ideas
Need some book ideas, or want to find out more about when to start reading chapter books to little ones? Read more here.
Reading to readers
Wondering if you should still read to a child who is a reader already? Read more here.
Note: My apologies that the blog has not been updated of late. It was for good reason: my own no-longer-little reader was married in Vienna 🙂
