Reading is a lifelong skill that provides numerous benefits for upper elementary and middle school students. The importance of reading cannot be overstated, and it is essential to encourage students to develop a love for reading from an early age. However, interest in reading often declines in middle school, leading to a decline in reading scores and a higher likelihood of students falling behind in their academic pursuits.
What Counts as Reading?
The definition of reading can be broadened to include various formats and sources. Anytime a student is exposed to the words and images of an author or illustrator, they are engaging with the text. This can include picture books, graphic novels, chapter books, magazines, websites, and audio books. In fact, listening to audiobooks and podcasts can also be considered a form of reading. Building language knowledge through reading is crucial for students to become proficient readers and to access a wide range of texts on their own.
- Audiobooks and podcasts for kids are great for time in the car
- Some podcast recommendations include:
- Greeking Out – an engaging and funny Greek mythology podcast from National Geographic
- Short and Curly – a very funny podcast out of Australia with ethical dilemmas for kids
- Terrestrials – the kids’ version of the popular podcast Radiolab – science, history, current events, all sorts of great topics
- Short Wave – a great science podcast from NPR with short episodes on really interesting weekly science news
- Gen Z Media creates excellent podcasts for kids in upper elementary and middle school, such as:
- Six Minutes, The Big Fib, and Becoming Mother Nature
Reading Graphic Novels and Picture Books
Graphic novels and picture books offer a unique reading experience that can be both engaging and educational. These books have won numerous awards and have been recognized for their advanced vocabulary and topics. For reluctant readers or readers with histories of difficulty, graphic novels can provide a more comfortable and enjoyable reading experience. The American Library Association reviews excellent graphic novels every year, offering a wealth of ideas for parents, teachers, and students.
| Book Title | Author |
|---|---|
| All Thirteen | Christina Soontornvat |
| Attack of the Black Rectangles | A.S. King |
| Ghost | Jason Reynolds |
| Hello, Universe | Erin Entrada Kelly |
| Insignificant Events in the Life of a Cactus | Dusti Bowling |
| Jennifer Chan is Not Alone | Tae Keller |
| Out of My Mind | Sharon Draper |
Reading Chapter Books and Novels in Verse
Reading chapter books and novels in verse can help students build endurance and develop their reading skills. Chapter books can provide a more challenging reading experience, while novels in verse can be a great option for reluctant readers. Here are some book recommendations:
- All Thirteen by Christina Soontornvat
- Attack of the Black Rectangles by A.S. King
- Ghost by Jason Reynolds
- Hello, Universe by Erin Entrada Kelly
- Insignificant Events in the Life of a Cactus by Dusti Bowling
- Jennifer Chan is Not Alone by Tae Keller
- Out of My Mind by Sharon Draper
- Love that Dog by Sharon Creech
- Alone by Megan Freeman
- Odder by Katherine Applegate
Beach Reads vs. More Challenging Reading
It’s essential to provide students with a diverse diet of texts and formats, including both “beach reads” and more challenging books. While “beach reads” can be enjoyable and relaxing, it’s equally important to expose students to more literary and challenging texts. This will help students develop a broad range of reading skills and interests.
Where to Get Books
Libraries and the Libby app offer free access to print books, e-books, and audiobooks. Online resources like the School Library Journal and Colby Sharp, a 5th grade teacher, can also provide excellent book recommendations. Social media platforms like #BookTok and #Bookstagram can offer a wealth of ideas for parents, teachers, and students.
A Final Word
Reading is a critical skill for academic success, and it’s essential to provide students with the opportunities to develop a love for reading. By offering a diverse range of texts and formats, we can help students build a strong foundation for their future academic pursuits. As parents, teachers, and educators, it’s our responsibility to give kids access to all the ways to experience reading, both for enjoyment and for academic success.
