Q: My child is coming home with library books that are above/below their reading level. What do I do?
A; Great question! The school library does not label books according to reading level. Students are able to choose books based on their preference and interests. As the librarian, I do teach lessons on choosing a "just right" book and encourage your students to take a sneak peek inside of a book before checking out. I stress that finding a book with words we know is not only what good readers do, but it makes reading your book more fun.
Research has shown that giving children choice in their reading lives leads to independent, motivated, and self-aware students who are able to experience books (and in turn, the schoolwork associated with them) on a deeper level.
Students choose books for a variety of reasons. A fifth grade student may check out a picture book because during the school day they are asked to read increasingly difficult texts and are finding a mental rest in their selected book. A first grader may choose a larger chapter book because the cover appeals to them or big brother was reading something similar at home. These are not reasons to chastise your child, but are opportunities to open a conversation about how to find a "just right" book and to praise them for being an enthusiastic reader.
Research has shown that giving children choice in their reading lives leads to independent, motivated, and self-aware students who are able to experience books (and in turn, the schoolwork associated with them) on a deeper level.
Students choose books for a variety of reasons. A fifth grade student may check out a picture book because during the school day they are asked to read increasingly difficult texts and are finding a mental rest in their selected book. A first grader may choose a larger chapter book because the cover appeals to them or big brother was reading something similar at home. These are not reasons to chastise your child, but are opportunities to open a conversation about how to find a "just right" book and to praise them for being an enthusiastic reader.
Q: My child is reading Graphic Novels all the time. Should I be worried?
A: Fear not! Graphic Novels are not only considered "real reading', but are also incredibly beneficial for engaging both parts of your brain and working on important skills like inferencing, understanding Author's purpose, context clues, and visual/media literacy. Graphic Novels ask readers to follow a unique plotline, find problems and solutions, and understand character development through the combination of pictures and words. That's no small feat! These fantastic books are perfect bridging points for students struggling to find a home in larger novels, or introductions to new genres and topics.
I understand the impulse to see a book full of pictures and wonder if your child is really reading something age appropriate or wish they had picked up your favorite novel instead. Remember, Graphic Novels are in fact - novels.
More Reading -
EveryLibrary "Why Parents Should Rejoice That Their Young Readers are Gobbling up Graphic Novels"
Scholastic "A Guide to Using Graphic Novels with Children and Teens"
I understand the impulse to see a book full of pictures and wonder if your child is really reading something age appropriate or wish they had picked up your favorite novel instead. Remember, Graphic Novels are in fact - novels.
More Reading -
EveryLibrary "Why Parents Should Rejoice That Their Young Readers are Gobbling up Graphic Novels"
Scholastic "A Guide to Using Graphic Novels with Children and Teens"
Q: How can I help my child become a better reader?
A: The absolute best way to ensure that your child grows up to love reading is to model a love for reading and books at home. I would love to tell you that a certain program or website will guarantee this for you, but anyone who has ever played a sport will remind you that it isn't the coach's desire, the top of the line gear, or the best summer camp that creates an athlete. It is the day in, day out practice and the motivation from those around you.
How can you model this love of reading?
More Reading -
New York Times "How to Raise a Reader" (Make sure to click on the headings at the top of the page!)
"The Importance of Reading Aloud to Big Kids"
How can you model this love of reading?
- Read yourself! Show your child that reading is important to you.
- Read with your child! It doesn't matter whether your child is 3 or 13 - reading together helps to build a stronger emotional bond, expands vocabularies, exposes children to a variety of genres, and creates a positive connection to books.
- Ask questions! Don't be afraid to ask your child what they are reading right now. You can also ask them what they are learning from the book, what will happen next, or even what they would have done in the character's shoes.
More Reading -
New York Times "How to Raise a Reader" (Make sure to click on the headings at the top of the page!)
"The Importance of Reading Aloud to Big Kids"
Q: My child's library book has been damaged. What do I do?
A: Sometimes books get lost or damaged. It is sad, but true. When things like this happen, the Ashley library uses a really cool site called "Support Our Library". All funds used to pay for lost or damaged books will go back into the Ashley Library and will be used to not only replace materials, but purchase more!
Please note that once you make a payment to Support Our Library, it cannot be refunded. So, be sure that your item is definitely lost before contributing. (Don't worry - Mrs. Whittaker will help you figure that out)
- Contact Mrs. Whittaker for the price of the book
- Go to the "Support Our Library" page or click the link in Mrs. Whittaker's email
- Make a payment
Please note that once you make a payment to Support Our Library, it cannot be refunded. So, be sure that your item is definitely lost before contributing. (Don't worry - Mrs. Whittaker will help you figure that out)