For Immediate Release
June 12, 2012
Contacts: David Ottalini, 301 405 4076 or dottalin@umd.edu

Great Summer Reading Tips For K-12 from the University of Maryland

	Education Professor Peter Afflerbach

COLLEGE PARK, MD. - Summer and reading just go together - so it's time to start thinking about what books to choose for your children's summer reading fun. Hard copy or slate - it's fun to read!

This summer, our Newsdesk Summer Reading Guide is combining some great reading tips for parents as well as a compilation of books that Education Professor Jennifer Turner has highlighted over many years. Together, you'll get some great ideas about reading with your children and you'll be able to find some great reading choices for boys and girls of all ages on a wide range of subjects from sports to going green.

The University of Maryland is a leader in reading education. Our Reading Center, within the College of Education's Department of Teaching and Learning, Policy and Leadership has the mission of preparing scholars, researchers, and teacher educators to serve as leaders in the field of reading education. It also trains highly-qualified reading teachers and reading specialists to work effectively and equitable in diverse elementary and secondary schools. They know reading inside and out!

Professor Peter Afflerbach is the former director of the College of Education's Reading Center. He has some great reading tips you can use this summer:

1. Find ways to create enthusiasm for reading.

2. Encourage your child to read different types of texts, including books, magazines, newspapers, and the Internet.

3. Ask your children questions about what they read - don't let what is learned by reading just "sit there!" Most children relish the opportunity to tell us about what they're reading.

4. Help your child find reading materials that are suited to individual interests and reading achievement levels. Libraries and bookstores are good places to begin.

5. Talk with your children about how reading is important in your life and ask them how it is important in their lives.

6. Try not to communicate any anxiety related to your children's reading.

7. Ask your child to recommend a book for you or a friend.

8. Engage your children in writing. Young authors learn from the authors they read, and young authors relish the opportunity to share their ideas.

Great Summertime Reading

Associate Professor Jennifer Turner

Newsdesk has worked with Associate Professor of Education Jennifer Turner for many years to compile lists of great books for children and young adults to read each summer. She says, "As you make time to spend with family and friends, don't forget to spend some time reading. Summertime is a perfect season to curl up with a good book when you go to the beach, hang out at the park, or riding on an airplane to your favorite summer destination."

Below you'll find links to some great reads that we've posted over the years. From science to sports, going green to going global, you'll find books for kids from pre-K to high school.

Reading Goes STEM!!

Books About Sports

Be Green and Be Healthy!

Let's Go Global!

Picture Books and More!

Books for All Ages

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