Raising Readers: 9-11 year olds
Upper elementary school kids are developing their comprehension skills, learning to read for content. Here's some tips, articles and book recommendations just for your 9-11 year old.
Books for Third Graders
Check out something from this list and climb into a good book.
Books for Fourth Graders
Mystery, fantasy, laugh-out-loud funny...these books are too good to be missed!
Tween Reads
Do you have a child making the move from junior books to young adult books? This is the list for you! Just right for fifth grade and up. Also, check the tween book list on the teen site.
Chapter Books and Comprehension
Learning how to read is such a big achievement! Why are we so interested in keeping kids reading once they learn how?
Chapter Books and Fluency
It's so exciting when children learn to read! Why is it so important that we keep kids reading once they learn how?
Literacy Tips for 9-11 year olds
- The best way help your upper elementary child to enjoy and understand the books he is reading, is for you to be a part of the experience. Some children will still enjoy taking turns reading aloud with you, while others would prefer to read silently. Either way, taking the time to read the same book and talk about the chapters, characters, plot, events and new words along the way will make the experience rich and meaningful for both of you.
- Ask open ended questions to encourage thinking and conversation. “Why do you think he said…?” “Why was she laughing on this page?” “What do you think this part means?”
- Good readers ask questions. Take turns asking each other lots of questions to along the way!
- Provide choices. If a book seems too difficult or is in some way unengaging to your child, be sure to have other options readily available. It may be time for a mystery, nonfiction piece, a graphic novel, magazine or a new series. Visit with your librarian and your child’s teacher for fresh ideas. Motivation is key at this age, so keep it interesting.
- Help your child make connections between the text, himself and his world. Feeling connected with books helps us stay focused and develops a desire to keep reading!
Reluctant Readers
If you have a reluctant reader, try some of these books to engage them.
Commonsense Media list of books for reluctant readers.
Great Nonfiction for Kids
Recommendations from Guysread.comTry graphic novels
High Interest/Low Vocabulary books for Teens
ALA Quick Picks for Reluctant Readers
Summer Reading for the Whole Family...
Children who read with a family member at least three times a week are nearly twice as likely to achieve in the top 25th percentile in reading than those who read less. In addition, kids who continue reading during the summer are more prepared to succeed when school resumes in the fall, while those who skip reading are likely to fall behind.
