Cornerstone Academy’s Academic Committee is encouraging students to read over the summer. It is our belief that reading good literature is integral to academic achievement and excellence, especially in a classical school. Reading is also very important in fostering the love of learning. While specific numbers and titles are not being required, it is strongly suggested that each student read at least three good, age-appropriate books this summer. The attached lists are included to assist you in the selection of books that meet these criteria.
It is our hope that families not view this recommendation to read as one more thing to schedule time for, but rather as an encouragement to make good books available so that the child’s appetite is whetted, resulting in the desire for him or her to grab moments here and there to read. Most children will read for pleasure when they have developed the skills to do so proficiently and have at their disposal books that interest them.
Some ideas to motivate the reluctant reader:
OFFER AN INCENTIVE – One mom on the Academic Committee offered her children a penny for every page read shortly after they mastered reading. It did not take long or much money for them to realize that they really enjoyed reading!
READ ALOUD THE FIRST CHAPTER – Give your child a sneak preview!
READ THE SAME BOOK – Be willing to read what your child is reading and then discuss it. This will let you know how he/she is doing with comprehension while encouraging him/her to pay attention to the details.
SHARE YOUR CHILDHOOD FAVORITE - Show your enthusiasm for reading by introducing your child to a book that you enjoyed as a child.
TAKE A TRIP TO THE LIBRARY OR BOOKSTORE - There is bound to be something that catches your child’s interest. Some children are happier choosing the books to read rather than being assigned them. Try to give them several choices that meet the literature criteria. We recognize that some books that children desire to read are mediocre—not great but not evil either—and suggest that these books be read sparingly to build reading confidence as stepping stones to better literature.
CHOOSE SOMETHING HISTORICAL – History is studied chronologically at Cornerstone Academy, so you can give your child a head start on the next year’s history lessons by reading a little bit about the next time period.
Have a blessed summer!
Academic Committee
The person who deserves most pity is a lonesome one
on a rainy day who doesn't know how to read.
~ Benjamin Franklin ~
The man who doesn't read good books
has no advantage over the man who can't read them.
~ Mark Twain ~
