A Note from Mrs. Baron    Attention: Parents of Reluctant Readers

Re: Summer strategy or Anytime Strategy to help develop readers

It’s inevitable, unless you make a plan and stick to it, even avid readers will forget about reading when summer weather and/or activities are available.  However, they will still be reading cereal boxes, menus, road signs and maps and whatever else appears in front of them.  They can’t help themselves!

But reluctant readers will happily take the next 12 weeks off and do no reading at all.  These are smart kids, they are not going to remind you to make them read.  They know you are very busy making potato salad and blowing up inner tubes. Why should anyone sit down and read when it’s summer out there?

Parents, get strategic!  Summer is a perfect “catch up” time for your reluctant reader.  Structure the time (20 minutes per day of actual reading in material your child chooses).  Make it a regular, everyday activity.  Make it pleasant. Do sit together. And no, ninety minutes at one sitting does not equal four days of no reading.

Your child has a very good chance to close the gap between where he/she is as a reader and where he/she wants and needs to be.

I have Read Naturally materials at all reading levels (call 232-5432, ex 175 if you are still reading this) and I will be happy to meet with you and provide appropriately leveled materials for your child’s summer reading. 

These strategies and hints should be applied all year long!

Nancy Baron