Summer Reading Tips from Wright Group/McGraw-Hill Giveaway

If you are fortunate like I am, your child loves to read. And by love I mean declining a day of play with Dad in order to stay at home and curl-up to a great book. This describes my son. He likes an assortment of literature; books on cars, scary books, silly books, and books that consume a lot of his time.

Kaden did not stumble upon this love for reading by accident. He comes from a family of avid readers. I'd like to say I am included in this elite group of people, but I hardly think weeklies (People, US, Life&Style) are considered great literature. I guess I can go out on a limb and admit, I do love to read. I am guilty of browsing the New York Times Best Sellers list and immediately placing a hold on the hottest titles. I'm not your conventional reader, but at least I have seen the inside of a library.

Just the other day, I attended an awards ceremony for my son's achievements in reading. He obtained the highest level possible in his book reading club. Over the course of several school weeks, the students were required to read books, based on their appropriate reading level, and answer questions about the book. A series of correct answers allowed the student to move on. Kaden was able to make it to the Medalist level, conquering 21 books and correct answers. What a proud moment for both his Dad, Kaden, and me!

You can bet I was excited to do a review on the Summer Reading Tips promotion from Wright Group/McGraw-Hill. I discovered some great Reading Tips from Wright Group/McGraw-Hill’s author Charlene Cobb, Ed.D. Here are a look at these great tips:


• Create a summer escape in your home perfect for reading. Make sure there is good light and comfortable seating to entice your kids to spend time there.

• Even if your children can read by themselves, take turns reading to each other. This helps build their skills as they listen to your tone and inflection throughout the story or article. Before, during and after you read, talk about the material. Ask you child questions and encourage you child to ask you questions.

• Whether you are reading to your children or they are reading themselves, plan an event or activity that ties to the reading material. For instance, book reading can lead to picnics, museum and zoo visits, ballgames, or even family vacations.

• Look for opportunities for your child to read. If you have a manual for a new DVD player, ask your child to read you the directions. Grocery lists and “to do” lists are also good items to help kids practice reading in “real life.”

• Share the reading experience with your child by reading the same book or material they are reading so you can discuss it.

• Even if you are not reading the same books as your children, talk to them about what they are reading. Ask them questions such as what happened in the story or what might happen next, who is their favorite character, or who is the villain. This builds summarization and recall skills, and your interest can help increase their interest.

• If your children’s school program provides materials for home activities, absolutely use them.

• Suggest your child read a popular series that has been turned into movies like the Harry Potter or Chronicles of Narnia books. When your child finishes reading the book, rent or go see the movie and discuss how each differed from the other and whether the book or movie was more enjoyable.

• Look for materials beyond fiction. Kids often prefer to read about facts, including books and articles about the environment, animals, current events, sports, and other factual topics. Talk to them about what they like and help them find reading materials that match those interests.

• Try to set aside at least one TV/video-game-free night per week for family reading. Make your family’s favorite snacks, get new books at the library and make it fun!

I learned a bunch of new tips that can help enhance the time I spend with my son. Reading should be enjoyable, and following this great advice from Charlene Cobb, Ed.D will prove to be beneficial for the entire family.

The Wright Group/McGraw-Hill would like to give one, lucky reader a series of 3 readers from the reading program (age specific, depending on winner). You and your child could be on the way to a summer filled with great books.

(These are samples of book titles in the series. Winning books may or may not be different than book titles pictured below.)

Here's what you need to do to WIN:

Mandatory Entry ~ must do this in order to earn extra entries.

• Leave a comment on this post with a great TIP that you use to make reading fun and appealing to children.

Extra Entries:

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What's your summer reading tip? @IamKeonte 's & Wright Group/McGraw-Hill 3 book giveaway for children http://bit.ly/1d2Aw Ends 6/20

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Does your child like to read? Visit The Verdict: Parenting on Trial to win 3 books in conjunction with the Summer Reading Tips promotion from Wright Group/McGraw-Hill. Contest ends.

The contest ends 6/20/09 at 11:59 PM EST. Please be sure to follow all the rules. Winner will be selected using Random.org. Books awarded based on the age of the child (winner to specify). Please leave a valid email so that I can contact you. You must respond in 48 hours to claim your prize. Open to US residents only (I love everyone though). Good Luck!

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