Suggested Reading For Elementary Students

Summer is here and you want to keep your elementary students engaged and reading with these great summer books!

Popular Clone, by M.E. Castle
Protagonist Fisher Bas is a nerd, but he blames his bookishness on his family. With a Nobel laureate mother and a scientist dad, he’s probably right! Fisher uses his natural talents to overcome the difficulties of elementary school by cloning himself so he can send his clone to school while he stays home and plays video games. This book is a great read for those who are struggling to get into books or with social situations.

The Candymakers by Wendy Mass
This is a fun read about four elementary school students who set out to make the ultimate candy. Through their experiments, the reader gets to learn about candy making and science which is what this art is based on. This book is so engrossing, you won’t be able to put it down! Try some candy recipes of your own when you’re done.

The Worst Case Scenario Ultimate Adventure: Everest by David Borgenicht and Bill Doyle
This choose-your-own-adventure book is a great read for those who enjoy sport, adventure and travel. You will be the youngest member of a team who will be attempting to climb Everest. The team’s success depends on your choices, so think carefully! This is a cliff-hanging thriller from start to finish!

Where the Mountain Meets the Moon by Grace Lin
This is a delightful account of a Chinese family’s legacy. Minli is enthralled by her father’s bedtime stories about a poor dragon and the old man in the moon. When she sets out to change their fate, and the fate of her family, she has an epic adventure filled with stunning illustrations and incredible characters. This is a really special book that you will find enchanting and touching.

Drizzle by Kathleen Van Cleve
If you loved the Wizard of Oz, you will adore Drizzle. It’s an eclectic mix of humor and imagination that will have you skipping through the crazy farm that Polly lives on. Here bugs can talk, rhubarb tastes like chocolate and the balance of nature keeps everything in check. When the daily drizzle ends, things start to go horribly wrong and Polly must restore the natural balance in order to save her brother’s life.

100 Cupboards by N.D. Wilson
When Henry York opens a cupboard, he discovers a portal to a whole new world. This is the first in a trilogy that is as thrilling an adventure as you have ever been on. When Henry’s family goes missing, he discovers the 100 cupboard doors, each cupboard leads to a new world, but Henry must figure out which ones his parents are in and how to get back to his own world. This series is thrilling, scary and gripping, so be prepared to buy all three books before the summer is though!

Great Summer Reads for Elementary School Children

Summer is here and you want to keep your elementary students engaged and reading with these great summer books!

Popular Clone, by M.E. Castle
Protagonist Fisher Bas is a nerd, but he blames his bookishness on his family. With a Nobel laureate mother and a scientist dad, he’s probably right! Fisher uses his natural talents to overcome the difficulties of elementary school by cloning himself so he can send his clone to school while he stays home and plays video games. This book is a great read for those who are struggling to get into books or with social situations.

The Candymakers by Wendy Mass
This is a fun read about four elementary school students who set out to make the ultimate candy. Through their experiments, the reader gets to learn about candy making and science which is what this art is based on. This book is so engrossing, you won’t be able to put it down! Try some candy recipes of your own when you’re done.

The Worst Case Scenario Ultimate Adventure: Everest by David Borgenicht and Bill Doyle
This choose-your-own-adventure book is a great read for those who enjoy sport, adventure and travel. You will be the youngest member of a team who will be attempting to climb Everest. The team’s success depends on your choices, so think carefully! This is a cliff-hanging thriller from start to finish!

Where the Mountain Meets the Moon by Grace Lin
This is a delightful account of a Chinese family’s legacy. Minli is enthralled by her father’s bedtime stories about a poor dragon and the old man in the moon. When she sets out to change their fate, and the fate of her family, she has an epic adventure filled with stunning illustrations and incredible characters. This is a really special book that you will find enchanting and touching.

Drizzle by Kathleen Van Cleve
If you loved the Wizard of Oz, you will adore Drizzle. It’s an eclectic mix of humor and imagination that will have you skipping through the crazy farm that Polly lives on. Here bugs can talk, rhubarb tastes like chocolate and the balance of nature keeps everything in check. When the daily drizzle ends, things start to go horribly wrong and Polly must restore the natural balance in order to save her brother’s life.

100 Cupboards by N.D. Wilson
When Henry York opens a cupboard, he discovers a portal to a whole new world. This is the first in a trilogy that is as thrilling an adventure as you have ever been on. When Henry’s family goes missing, he discovers the 100 cupboard doors, each cupboard leads to a new world, but Henry must figure out which ones his parents are in and how to get back to his own world. This series is thrilling, scary and gripping, so be prepared to buy all three books before the summer is though!

Sunday Morning Shout Out

 ”You may have tangible wealth untold

Caskets of jewels and coffers of gold.

Richer than I you can never be.

I had a Mother who read to me.”

Strickland Gillilan, American Poet

Giving poetic voice to what statistics and educational studies from the National Institute of Childhood Health and Human Development (NICHD) show that reading is the single most important skill for a happy and productive life. Strong readers make the transition from learning to read to reading to learn. The other statistics and studies featured throughout this online article, “The Importance of Reading with Children” discusses many important aspects of this issue.

Image Source: http://trelease-on-reading.com

Unfortunately, not reading well has the opposite corollary.  According to NICHD reports, an estimated 10 million children struggle with reading and of those 10 million with reading difficulties, 10 to 15 percent eventually drop out of high school. Perhaps even more telling is the statistic that points to the correlation between illiteracy and juvenile delinquency.  The same article cited that 86% of all juvenile offenders have reading problems and 60 % of percent of inmates are illiterate. Another telling statistic from the report also states that at least half of young people with substance abuse problems and at least half of young people involved in criminal activity have also been found to have poor reading skills.

This is not to lose hope, for parents hold extraordinary power. While specialized school programs, tutoring, community organizations, and non-profit agencies are great resources to assist, promote, remediate, and support reading and reading activities, studies find that nothing is as powerful as the parent! Repeat, repeat, nothing is as powerful as the parent!!

According to the Literacy Connections website, “U.S. Department of Education analysis found that children who were read to at least three times a week by a family member were almost twice as likely to score in the top 25 percent in reading than children who were read to less than three times a week.”

There are cumulative effects with reading to your child, like eating well, exercising, regular healthcare, etc.  When we read to our children, we help them acquire language and vocabulary, and increase their understanding of the world around them.  The study find that children who are frequently read to become better readers, better listeners, and better students, thus having more confidence and self-esteem.

The article “Hidden Benefits of Reading Aloud-Even for Older Kids,” by Connie Matthiessen at is a great reminder about how all aged children benefit from being read to in their homes.  Jim Trelease, author of the Read Aloud Handbook, says not only is it a vocabulary booster, but a reading advertiser. When we read books out loud, we make them tantalizing!  He says it also boosts attention spans and listening skills. He talks about the listening skills do not catch up with reading skills until eighth grade.

Additionally, reading out loud is a conduit for both parents and teachers alike. Books can bridge the “cultural divide” between preadolescent/adolescence and adulthood, opening up numerous subjects for conversation. Books can act like a dress rehearsal for life as they introduce young people to all sorts of new people and situation. He says that for the weary student and teacher who learn in a standardized test drenched environment, even a five-minute reading break, with a teacher reading aloud can be wonderfully beneficial, not to mention refreshing.

With the abundance of electronics in our lives, he calls this generation of students the most “distracted generation” ever. He discusses how important it is for parents to limit their children’s use of electronics and encourage reading in the home. Given the scope of the issue and the weight of its consequences, both negative and positive, better advice could not be given. As parents, we bond with children over books and the benefits  are incredibly, powerfully measureable….

Sunday Morning Shout Out

Faster than you can say spring break is over, the school year will be done. With final exams, state assessments, more advanced reading and math, final projects, concerts, plays, and field trips, the end of the school year possesses its own challenges and rewards. As our children headed back to school this week, here are some thoughts that partially spill over from an earlier segment on spring cleaning your school year. These are tips for making the last two months of school shine, building on what your children receive from you at home.

Where your school routines remain fraught with chaos, build calm. There is nothing worse than starting the day in a frazzled way. Anything that can be done ahead of time to make the morning easier is a sure way to make for a better morning. When homework is done at night and reviewed by you, make it your child’s responsibility to see that it goes in their backpack.  Many organizational experts (e.g., Jennifer Fordbery) talk about a launching spot for bags and school supplies. Have your child have their work done, ready, and in this place the night before, to prevent early morning scavenger hunts for homework, bags, etc.

Children can also help make their lunches ahead of time. If they take a lunch, have them empty their lunch bag when they come home if applicable.  They can also wipe it out. This would be a good time for them to put tomorrow’s snack in the bag. You can gather their thoughts on what sounds good for a sandwich.  (I know mothers and fathers who make and freeze mass quantities of peanut butter and jelly sandwiches at once to make things easier.) They may even find it fun to help you make them or at least of part of lunch making is done, for tired moms and dads for later.  If they buy a lunch, make sure their lunch money is out for the next day. Or prepay for their lunch with your school’s cafeteria. With lunch preparation done the night before, there is more time for calmness, encouragement, and kindness in the morning, a fine, motivating replacement for grumpiness and the mad dash to get out the door.

Along these same lines, try not to pass your stress onto your children.  We are the first and original tone setters in our home.  A wise, serene, yes serene, mother of six I spoke to told me that her technique is the “cocktail party” technique. She said that when she set the right tone for her busy home, like the host or hostess who does this right, the “party” turns out well.  Where serious stress is an issue, do what you need to do to be well. Seek the family, friend, or professional help that you need.  You are your children’s anchor, ship, and rescue boat. If your boat is sinking like the Titanic, SOS (save one’s ship) and fix yourself for the sake of your family!

Improve your family time. If your family time is less than you want it to be, it is never too late to start making more time for each other. Make it a goal to eat dinner together at least a few times a week. One recent article titled “Family Dinners: Do They Really Matter“explores the benefits and points out that experts say that families that eat together are happier, healthier, more cohesive, and even more successful. Such families are more in tune with one another.  Children feel a greater sense of personal worth and place within their family.

Another thing you can do is play a game or read a book together.  From picture books with little ones to reading popular books like the Harry Potter series or The Hunger Games with older children, reading can be a great way to connect with your family. Lastly, get outside and get active! Exercise is such a fun and healthy way to release end of the school year stress and steam.  Like the school year, time will just keep ticking by. Make the most of it!

Holiday Cooking Fun and Learning

Cooking with your kids teaches valuable skills such as the importance of nutrition and what vitamins and minerals they can find in the foods you prepare. Leaning to cook gives kids control of their nutrition and calorie intake while imparting skills that benefit their ability to work in a lab and perform complex experiments. Baking is a science and not following a baking recipe can often lead to disaster! Working with recipes is also a great way to teach and support the value of math skill such as multiplication, division and fractions.

The first step is to get your kids to look up recipes on the Internet or in a cook book. Watch YouTube videos which demonstrate different cooking techniques.  Once you have agreed upon a recipe, get them to make a list of all the ingredients. The next step is to set out all the implements and ingredients. This helps to reinforce the importance of preparation before starting an experiment in the lab.

Check that everything is in good working order. Discuss stove, machinery and electricity safety. This is an excellent way to learn how to safely handle potentially dangerous equipment in the lab.

Ask your child to read the recipe from start to finish. Reading and following recipes teaches them how to follow instructions; a skill that will help with exams, lab work and experiments at school. Get your child to read the instructions out loud so that they can practice reading at the same time.  When encountering unfamiliar cooking terms such as folding, whisking or beating, ask your child to use the index where they can find definitions. This will help to reinforce the idea that unfamiliar words should be looked up.

Teach your child to measure accurately. Accurate measuring techniques will ensure success with both baking and experiments. Older children can investigate the chemical reactions that take place as the ingredients combine.

The most important thing is that everyone has fun. This is not only an excellent learning opportunity, but it is also a great activity to share with your children. This is the one time your kids can have fun playing with their food.  Here is an easy recipe for sugar cookies that are perfect for the holidays and for the beginner chef. For Math skill development have your child increase or decrease the recipe. Doubling it is pretty easy but cutting it in half is going to be a challenge since your child is going to have to figure out how to get half an egg.

Holiday Sugar Cookies

·        1 cup butter, softened
·        1 cup granulated sugar
·        1/2 teaspoon baking powder
·        1/2 teaspoon salt
·        1 egg
·        1 teaspoon vanilla
·        2 1/2 cups flour

In a large mixing bowl beat butter with an electric mixer on medium to high speed for 30 seconds. Add sugar, baking powder, and salt. Beat until combined, scraping sides of bowl occasionally. Beat in egg and vanilla until combined. Stir in the flour.

Divide dough in half. Shape each half of dough into a 6-inch-long roll. Wrap in plastic wrap or waxed paper. Chill in the refrigerator for 2 hours.

Roll out and cut with a cookie cutter. Bake in a 375 degree F oven for 6 to 8 minutes or until edges are lightly browned. Carefully transfer cookies to a wire rack; cool. Decorate with icing sugar and candy.

Top Books For Teenagers and Young Adults

(Note: I have a bit of work to do on this edition but wanted to get it up ASAP. Watch for revisions in the next day or two)

Many gift givers forget that teenagers of today like previous generations like to read. This desire to read is in spite of the fact that today’s teens have more responsibilities, more distractions, and less time to read as an article on Scholastic.com suggests.

As an article by Erinn Hutkin in the The Roanoke Times (2007) reported teenagers want books that reflect real life and problems they have or may confront. “The practice, said Ferrum College English professor Lana Whited, is called bibliotherapy — working through problems using literature. One reason she said the “Harry Potter” series is so popular is because the main character is very much a real boy. Flying and magic aside, Harry deals with bullies and girls and feuding friends.”

What does today’s young generation of Americans enjoy reading about?  Buying engaging books that your teenager will enjoy over the holidays is a daunting task. One of the first hurdles is determining if the book is appropriate for the person. In a country founded on the belief of free speech and choice there are responsibilities you need to take on. Typically, when government, civic or educational authorities take on the censorship role the results are quite startling as a brief listing by the University of Pennsylvania shows. Even Mark Twain and his books Tom Sawyer and Huckleberry Finn have been banned in parts of the USA.

This list contains books that are primarily for enjoyment as well as those that have social and historical significance. We have added a link to each of the book titles for Barnes and Noble so you can get more information on the book and perhaps purchase it for your reader.

1. The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy by Douglas Adams

From the moment Arthur Dent woke up, it’s been the strangest day. First, a construction team attempts to demolish his home. Then he discovers that aliens exist, that his best friend Ford Prefect is from a distant planet and that the earth is about to be destroyed by an alien construction crew; and that’s all before morning tea. Take this amazing, bizarre, mind-expanding adventure through time and space with Arthur and Ford but beware; you’ll never be able to think of cricket in the same way again.

2. The Lord of the Rings by J.R.R. Tolkien

An epic fantasy adventure that chronicles the battle for middle earth against the evil Lord Sauron. It’s got elves, trolls, wizards, orcs and creatures of a more sinister nature that try to wrest the ring of power from the hobbit, Frodo in an attempt to gain ultimate power and rule all of middle earth. The trilogy (plus 1, the Hobbit) is the third bestselling novel ever written with 150 million copies sold.

3. To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee

An American classic dealing with important themes of acceptance, racism, oppression and injustice as told by Scout, a young girl living in depression-era Alabama. The book is told from the perspective of this young southern girl and invites us to learn life’s lessons along with her. A poignant expose’ of how society judges people by the way they look and how these judgements mould perception.

4. On the Road by Jack Kerouac

This book is best suited for the more mature teen and really challenges the concept of social norms. This crazy rollercoaster ride tells of a group of friends who shun the traditional societal stalwarts of family, work and home to take to the road. These perpetual travellers have a series of hair-raising adventures that act as a manifesto for the beatnik genre.

5. Slaughter House Five Kurt Vonnegut Jr.

Vonnegut’s unconventional style has greatly influenced pop culture in our century. This is the most critically acclaimed of Vonnegut’s books; a satirical novel that tells the story of World War II through the eyes of the soldier Billy Pilgrim. Irreverent and controversial, the book has made it to the top 100 list of both Time magazines and the Modern Library.

6. Twilight by Stephenie Meyer

When Bella Swan falls for Edward Cullen, she gets far more than she bargained for because Edward is a 104 year old vampire. The series consists of four books: Twilight, New Moon, Eclipse and Breaking Dawn which are available individually or in a box set. The series has won numerous awards most notably the 2008 British Book Award and the 2009 Kid’s Choice Award.

Bottom line is that a book is a great gift for the teenagers on your list. Your librarian or local bookseller can help you make a great selection that will appeal to all the readers on your list. I still remember being young and getting a book from one of my parents friends for Christmas. I wasn’t exactly happy as if I had gotten a toy or something cool at the time but it was better then cloths! The book was Jack London’s ‘Call of the Wild and White Fang collection’ and I can still remember the exciting shinny hard cover of wolves fighting and the new book smell. The book drew me in and gave me an escape and new thrill over that boring holiday period off of school. What a lasting gift! Thank you Mr and Mrs. Reiger. (Note: Much of Jack London’s work was banned in European dictatorships in the 1920′s and 1930′s)

Top Books for Elementary School Children

Adding books to your Christmas shopping list will help get your kids reading and using their imagination during the holidays. Pick books that your children will find enjoyable encourages them to read, improves vocabulary and develops comprehension skills. If you are looking for some good choices for your elementary aged school child here is a short list that is sure to pique the interests of your young readers. We have provided a link to the Amazon page for each book if you are interested in more details or want a fast way to purchase the book(s).

1. Charlie and the Chocolate Factory by Roald Dahl

Willy Wonka’s amazingly marvelous chocolate factory will be open for just one day to five lucky children who find a golden ticket in a Wonka chocolate bar. When Charlie discovers his ticket, he is in for a tour beyond his wildest imaginings filled with chocolate waterfalls, fancy sweets and Oompa Loompas.

2. American Born Chinese by Gene Luen Yang

National Book Award Finalist, 2007 Eisner award winner for Best Graphic Album, Eisner Award nominee for Best Coloring and winner of the 2007 Bank Street Best Children’s Book of the Year Award. This amazing little book combines the best graphics with a thrilling story that will have you on the edge of your seat; right up until the spectacular twist in the tail.

3. The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe by C.S. Lewis

When Edward, Susan, Lucy and Peter stumble through a magical wardrobe, they find themselves in a wintery world ruled by the evil white witch. To restore the land of Narnia to its gentle wise ruler, the lion Aslan, the four children must go on an adventure of epic proportions.

4. Artemis Fowl by Eoin Colfer

Artemis Fowl; boy genius, criminal mastermind, millionaire meets his match when he decides to kidnap Holly Short, a fairy in the LEPrecon unit. But these aren’t your average glitter fight and rainbow fairies; these are black ops fairies. Even the author describes the book as “Die Hard with fairies.”

5. This Book Is Not Good For You by Pseudonymous Bosch

When Cass’s mom gets kidnapped by the evil genius Sen͂or Hugo, Cass and Max-Ernest must find the magical tuning fork to pay her ransom. Will they find the magical instrument in time? Will they discover the evil ingredient that makes this diabolical dessert villain’s chocolate so irresistible? Will their teeth rot during this adventure? You will have to read it to find out.

6. Freak the Mighty by Rodman Philbrick

Max is a man of very little brain and much brawn. Everyone is afraid of him. He felt very lonely until Freak came along. Freak was a little weird too; he had a huge brain and very little brawn. Together they were unstoppable; together they were Freak the Mighty.

There are many other options out there and a great compilation broken down into categories like boys, girls, award winners and teachers choices can be found at the University of Missouri website. Most of these books are now digital so if your child prefers reading on a tablet you can gift them that as well.

How to Encourage a Reluctant Reader

For those who love reading, it seems almost incomprehensible that there are people who do not enjoy reading. At Tutor Doctor of WNY, we recognize the vital importance reading plays in education as well as recreation. The following tips are some ideas to help encourage your reluctant reader to build good reading habits. Before making any judgments as to why your child isn’t a reader, however, make sure that there isn’t an underlying issue (such as dyslexia) that is keeping your child from enjoying reading.

Your child won't be able to hide from reading with these tips! (Image Credit:http://www.amazon.com/Walter-Farting-Dog-William-Kotzwinkle/dp/1583940537/ref=pd_sim_b_4)

Genre, Genre, Genre

Does your child love watching The History Channel? Does he love watching Disney movies? Latching on to a specific style of storytelling that your child truly engages with is the first step to finding a book that will pique your child’s interest. Many people assume that children will automatically gravitate to fiction books, but that isn’t always the case. If your child doesn’t respond well to young adult fiction or fiction in general, try non-fiction! Ranging from autobiographies to painstakingly researched historical epics, non-fiction can appeal to children who love science, history, nature, math, or any other subject!

Get the Picture

Picture books aren’t just for kids! As kids progress from books written and illustrated for young readers to heftier chapter books, one of the biggest differences other than length is a sudden lack of visual imagery. It’s all well and good to say that children should be able to visualize the action of a story in their head, but they also say that a picture is worth a thousand words. Try finding books written for older readers that also feature lots of visual stimulation to keep your child more engaged. This may be easiest with books about science, nature, or history. The great thing about this issue is that it’s easy to figure out if a book has a lot of pictures by taking a quick flip through the pages.

Furry Friends

A pooch may be just what the doctor ordered for reluctant readers! (Image Credit:http://www.marinij.com/ci_15656298)

For younger readers, silent reading may prove to be a bit of a challenge, but struggling out loud with reading in front of an audience is daunting for anyone. To keep your child practicing his reading skills without shutting down, why not bring Fido along? While there are specially trained literacy volunteer dogs (contact your local library to find out if they have any connections), you may know of a dog that fits the bill. The only real requirements for a literacy volunteer dog are to be able to sit or lay in one position for at least half an hour without falling asleep and to be kid-friendly. Literacy dogs can help increase your child’s confidence with reading out loud, as they don’t judge. It also gets your child excited about reading, as they get to read to a furry audience. To further the experience, why not try finding books about dogs? Try Harry the Dirty Dog or the amusing Walter the Farting Dog series.

Find the Right Level

Figuring out what level your child reads at is important, but not as important as finding books your child wants to read. Children can work their way through books that are above their reading level with help from someone older or a dictionary. The only thing that really matters is how interested your child is in the subject matter, and how willing he or she is to do the necessary work to understand. On the other hand, children who get easily frustrated with reading may benefit from starting at a lower level and slowly uilding their way up.

Go Ahead, Judge a Book By Its Cover!

Sometimes, choosing a book by its cover can be a detriment. For the reluctant reader, however, a knee-jerk reaction to a book cover could be the key to accessing real interest. This also gives your child autonomy over his or her reading choices, which is important in building up a life-long learner.

Plug it In

Kids report that they would read more with an e-reader. Why not try it with your child? (Image Credit:http://www.smartphonesue.com/2010/10/06/scholastic-study-kids-would-read-more-if-they-had-an-e-reader/)

For some kids, the appeal of an e-Reader may be enough to jar them out of a reading slump. Try it as a back-to-school gift, holiday present, or birthday surprise. To make it extra-special, why not load it up with a few books or give your child a gift card to an online book store?

While rewards may encourage your child to read, the effectiveness of rewards in the long-term is hotly debated. What are some ideas you’ve found to encourage a reluctant reader to read?