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Summer Reading 2024, what’s
on the menu?
Starters
The English Department recently read an article which got us thinking… The article, ‘Junk food is bad for you, but junk reading is good for you’ (Krashen and Ujiie), found that reading what could be perceived as ‘lower quality’ books, actually promoted literacy levels. Perhaps most importantly, “Light reading leads to heavier reading, that is, light reading serves as a conduit for heavier reading.” Therefore, our request for summer reading this year is to read widely, and to read anything and everything! As with food, variety is the spice of life, and the long summer holidays can be a perfect time to try a different genre or a different style of writing. All that we ask is that you return to school ready to share what you have read. It could be a graphic novel, an autobiography, a romance, articles from science magazines…we can’t wait to hear all about your summer reading!
Mains
If you are a parent or a guardian, the most important thing you can do for your child is: Take them to bookstores. Browse and choose something together. Be a role-model - let them see you reading. Talk about reading… or even read aloud to your child. A recent UK report on reading for pleasure found that 65% of 8-13 year olds read daily, when their parents also read aloud to them daily. This is compared to 22% of 8-13 year olds when their parents/guardian read to them less than weekly (see appendix 1). Listening to audiobooks can also be a great way to share books as a family.
Desserts
Finally, if you are looking for inspiration, below are some great reading lists and ISL’s Secondary School Library website to get you started. We hope you have a wonderful summer of reading!
The English & Media centre is a UK based organisation. In this list they organise book recommendations by “Key Stage” (KS3 = years 7-9; KS4 = years 10-11; KS5 = years 12-13):
Barrington Stoke’s online book store can be a great resource. It gives parents and guardians both the ‘interest age’ and the ‘reading age’ of books.
Middle school book list from goodreads.com
High school book list from goodreads.com
Appendix 1
‘Reading for Pleasure and Purpose’ Farshore Insight, 2022 (https://www.farshore.co.uk/resources-for-everyone/research-and-insights/)
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