Editor’s Note: Every Tuesday, Abby Freireich and Brian Platzer answer questions from parents about their children’s education. Have a question? Email them at [email protected].
Dear Abby and Brian,
My third grader despises reading, and we were all looking forward to a break this summer when he wouldn’t have to read every night and we wouldn’t have to force him. However, we just received the summer reading assignment from his teacher, which requires him to read at least six books and write three book reports. Given the challenging year he’s had, is it necessary for me to make him do this work during his summer break when he should be relaxing? Won’t it make him hate reading even more?
Kristal
Boston, Mass.
Dear Kristal,
You are correct in recognizing that your son needs a break this summer. After the intensity and challenges of the past year and a half, it’s important for kids to have time to relax and recharge, preferably outdoors, with friends, and away from screens. However, taking a break doesn’t mean completely neglecting academic skills. Summer reading plays a crucial role in reducing the achievement gap between struggling students and their successful peers. Your son’s teacher is right to assign work that will help him retain the skills he acquired during the school year and set him up for success in the fall.
You describe a common cycle. A student’s lack of skills or confidence in a particular subject leads to avoidance, which then leads to additional pressure from parents and teachers to work harder, ultimately making the student feel worse. You’re faced with a difficult choice between making him read to keep up or leaving him alone so he doesn’t develop an even stronger aversion to reading. This is an impossible decision. To break this cycle, you’ll need to make reading more enjoyable and establish a routine for him.
Start by helping him find books that he’s likely to enjoy. Even the most reluctant readers have topics or genres they prefer. While the idea of another book about soccer or aliens may not excite you, your priority should be finding books that he likes or, at the very least, doesn’t dread.
Consider planning a trip to the bookstore with him. After a year of remote learning, selecting a physical book from a physical shelf can be especially rewarding. If the school provided a summer reading list, bring it along so you can review it together. Read the synopses of the books and see which ones pique his interest, allowing him to choose a couple of books. Before your outing, you may also want to ask your son’s teacher for recommendations.
Once he has selected his summer reading books, help him establish a routine for reading. He should choose a specific time of day dedicated to reading, whether it’s right after breakfast or every night before bed. Consistency is key: Reading will become a habit rather than a battle if he has a regular time set aside for it.
When planning reading time, frequency is important. It’s better to have 15 to 20 minutes of daily reading to reinforce his skills than to allocate a large chunk of time only once a week. Encourage him to write a brief summary and reaction every day or two after completing a section of the book. This will make writing the book reports easier when he finishes reading the books.
If your son has required reading that seems overwhelming, suggest reading it together. Shared reading can make a text more engaging and accessible. You might even consider starting a book club with him. Some kids may resist having their parents read with them, so gauge his preferences and don’t push if he’s not receptive to the idea.
Your goal should be to integrate reading into his life in a way that avoids daily battles. He may never develop a deep love for reading, but by empowering him and helping him establish a routine, you’ll make this summer more relaxing for both of you.
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