Dear Boulevard Families,

This week we held our annual PTO Book Fair. The event, including Tuesday’s well attended Family Night, was a huge success thanks to the hard work of a very dedicated group of individuals. A special thank you to Mrs. Dori Katz, Mrs. Barb Horrigan, Loraine Clunie, and all the volunteers who helped pull off this wonderful week-long event! 

Hopefully, your student now has many new additions to his or her personal library as a result of the Book Fair. Here are some tips you may want to consider to encourage your child to read:

Encourage reading for fun. Wimpy Kid author Jeff Kinney says that sometimes adults focus so much on getting kids to read they forget about the fun. But kids who are having fun will read.

Go graphic. There are many high-quality graphic novels that draw in readers through illustrations, short-form text, and engrossing story lines.

Seek out sports. For kids who'd rather be physically active than read a book, consider books about teams or by athletes, such as You Never Heard of Sandy Koufax?! by Jonah Winter about the famous lefty; Hothead by Cal Ripken Jr.; or other books about sports.

Let them follow their interests.  You may not love Captain Underpants, but if that's what your kid wants to read, put aside your judgment for the greater good.

Find characters who reflect your kid's experience. Kids like to see themselves in the stories they read. Whatever helps kids identify with the story will keep them more engaged.

Look for different reading opportunities. Reading is valuable no matter what the format: Comics, product labels, game manuals, recipes. Mix in shorter-form material with longer stuff.

Get techy. Ebooks and storybook apps that offer some multimedia along with the narrative can be entertaining and educational and may draw in kids who are turned off by text alone. Use them alongside traditional reading.

Fact-check. With their amazing stats, incredible images, and start-anywhere formats, books of facts such as Guinness World Records and Ripley's Believe It or Not entice kids who'd rather not tackle longer stories.

Take turns. With a book your child has chosen, take turns reading a page (or two) to each other. Ask questions along the way.

Sincerely,

Neal Robinson