Literature Young Adult Fiction » Reading Activities

5 Ways to Set and Meet Reading Goals

CaptainYarr — Tue, 24 Jan 2012 09:00:00 +0000

by Captain Lyaf Yarr and First Mate Keira

Most kids need motivation to start let alone finish a book. I’m going to share tips with on how to set and reach reading goals. I hope they help you!

Required Reading for School: When you get a new book divide that book into how many days you have to read it in. Put sticky notes or index cards or bookmarks to mark those sections. Then read one section a day and read all the pages in that section. Pretty soon, before you know it, you’ve read the whole book. Congrats! Extra tip: be sure to start well before report is due! No stress that way.
Reading More Books: First, decide how many books you want read in a week or a month. Now refer to tip one and figure out how many days in the week/month you have for each book. Be sure to start and finish your books within the time frame you figured out so you can reach your goal. You can even use this idea for a yearly book reading goal!
Daily Reading: Set aside time in your day for reading. When this time comes, stop what you’re doing and read. I suggest setting aside an hour of reading time for when you first wake up or before going to bed. By reading every day you’re not going to forget anything about the book and have to start it over or backtrack and waste time.
Listening to Books: Audio books are a great nook and cranny way of fitting in more books. You can listen to them while cleaning your room, when riding around in a car, while exercising, and simply hanging out at home. However you can fit it in is great just make sure you’re doing something where you can listen and pay attention.
Nook and Cranny Reading: Read whenever you have a chance. Carry a book with you in your backpack, purse, bag, carrying case, whatever, just make sure you have one! There are so many places to read and many moments of time you can snatch for reading. For example: you can read in a car trip, when you are in line for something, before class starts and even before you go to bed.

Now that I have told you some of my tips for reading goals tell me yours. What do you do?

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How to Host an Audio Book Club or Party

First Mate Keira — Thu, 03 Nov 2011 10:19:34 +0000

by First Mate Keira

A real fun reading activity to put together is an Audio Book Club or Party. Here’s how you put one together:

Who to Invite:

Whether you’re putting a club together or hosting a party it’s important to figure out who you want to participate. You can make it a mother-daughter thing, your friends from school, all girl or all boy, whatever works!

Where to Gather:

Next you have to decide where you will meet. Your options include:

Somebody’s House – perfect for a private book club or party
The Library – for more open book club or party setting where all are welcomed just ask first
A Book Store – get permission first and they’ll probably want to open it for all their costumers
The Park – a public place will require portable audio players
The Beach – bring big towels and some sun cover

Picking the Audio Book:

Do you want something short? Do you want to start a series? Do you want to celebrate a book-to-movie conversion? Think Harry Potter and Twilight Saga. You audio selections are limitless.

Theme it Up:

Make it fun by creating a theme for the audio book club or party. Should everyone dress in costume? Should you play or make up a game to go with the book? Serve certain types of food and drink?

Setting Up:

You will need lots of comfy seating, plenty copies of the book, one copy of the book in audio format, an audio player with speakers, some food and drink, and to decide how long to play the audio book. Chances are you can’t all go 6-12 hours straight, so break it up and host several times.

Discussion:

You can do a formal discussion after the segment is read or allow free flowing conversation to happen while it’s being read. It will depend on everybody’s familiarity or lack thereof with the book and of course personal preferences.

That’s it! Now go have fun!

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Why Read a Summer Book List

First Mate Keira — Tue, 01 Nov 2011 09:49:51 +0000

by First Mate Keira

Do you wonder why schools use summer book lists? Or why you should be bothered to read the books on the list? Does it feel like the whole endeavor is a time suck? Do you feel you’ll hate all the books on the list? The purpose behind summer book lists is different depending on grade and literacy level. Here are some things to consider:

Summer Book Lists by Elementary School Grade:

The books picked will help grow particular reading skills necessary for that year. Getting your child to read the books on this list will ensure your child is ready for the upcoming school year. It will help them for all their lessons not just literacy instruction (reading and writing).

Summer Book Lists for English Class:

The books offered here will help you once school has started. You never know which books your teacher will instruct on or demand papers for so it’s best to read as many as possible to be the most prepared. If you’re in a higher level English class you may even take a test at the end of the year for college credit on these books so it’s important to get started early. If you have trouble getting through the books, be sure to grab cliff notes.

Additional Benefits of Summer Book Lists:

Summer book lists expand horizons and introduce new authors and genres. You never know what you’ll like until you try it. A summer book list helps you explore beyond your comfort zone which not only makes you a better reader, but a more educated one at that.

Plus, don’t you feel a sense of accomplishment on a grandiose scale when you’ve crossed through that last title? I know I did when I was younger!

Note: There is a poll embedded within this post, please visit the site to participate in this post's poll.

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5 Free or Discounted Things to Do with Your Library Card

First Mate Keira — Fri, 14 Oct 2011 07:05:35 +0000

by First Mate Keira

Did you know there’s more you can do with a library card other than check books and movies out? Depending on where you live and what your library and county (and state) programs are there are five other things a library card is good for!

1. Museum Passes:

You can get free or discounted museum passes with a library card. It works two ways.

The first is the library holds the pass and you check it out like a book or movie. This pass will get you in at the museum, but you must remember to return it back to the library when you’re done using it. Be sure to pick it up early in the morning because passes go quickly.

The second method is to flash the museum your library card. When you do, the sales clerk with ring you up appropriately. You might need a library card per person in order for the free passes or discount to apply to all ticket purchases.

2. Public Transportation Passes:

You can get free passes on public transportation by presenting a library card. I’ve heard of free bus transportation and discounted subway passes. Be sure to double check in your area before assuming you can just hop on and get a free ride.

3. Zoo Passes:

Like with museums, you can get free or discounted entrance into zoos in your area by taking your library card with you. Most of the time I hear it’s a one time deal, but it’d be a great way to spend an afternoon and if you really like your local or city zoo be sure to get a season pass to keep your future costs down.

4. State Park Passes:

Some state parks offer free or discounted admission certain times of the year when you bring a book or library card with you. Enjoy your time outdoors and pack a picnic!

5. Entertainment Passes:

Sometimes you can even go see performances likes plays, shows, music festivals, even go to the movies, etc. for a far cheaper price with a library card. Keep an eye out for such announcements and don’t be afraid to ask if you’re unsure.

Remember, the availability of these discounts or freebies on activities depends solely on where you live and the places you wish to go. Be sure to call ahead and see if they offer Free Library Cardholder Days before heading out just in case they don’t. Also check with your library to see where they’re partnering. Sometimes they even display flyers and posters with information about free activities you and your family can do together.

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Battle of the Books

First Mate Keira — Sun, 07 Aug 2011 17:27:24 +0000

by First Mate Keira

I first participated in Battle of the Books in fifth grade at elementary school. It was a real big deal because it the first time it was ever done in the county and my school wanted if not to win—then to beat out a lot of schools (and this was just the kid point of view!) and make a name for ourselves for next year.

Growing up, I lived in Florida where we have Sunshine State Books. The book list for our Battle of the Books was predetermined based on that year’s Sunshine State list. There were two tournaments one for the 5^th graders using the 3-5 reading list and one for the 6^th graders who used the 6-8reading list.

I remember that to qualify for the Battle of the Books you had to take Accelerated Reading tests and score 80% or better on half of the books on the list.

That year I read all the books on the Sunshine State list and passed them with 100% accuracy on the AR tests.

I applied. I was accepted and I met my teammates. Two teams were formed for each tournament with the idea that only one of each would make it to the real tournament. We would battle each other first and then other schools.

My team got together and figured out how to best approach the contest. We shared which books we had read and what books we loved and then chose books on which to become the experts and got reading packets. Every book was covered at least twice by two readers.

I went over my packets a lot and even asked for packets to other books covered by other team members. I really wanted to win and go to the real tournament!

Our school got the actual buzzers and equipment we would have to punch in on for the real deal as part of our practice run. I remember the competition being fierce and that all the 5^th grade classes were called into our lunch room where the stage was set up for the first battle against our fellow schoolmates. We won, but barely, and we knew we had to study more. The motivation to read and beat other schools was incredibly strong.

For the most part we got together after school. Usually once a week to talk to our advisor. As time got closer to the tournament we got to get out of reading time and meet up outside by the recess area to study together in twos and threes.

Studying basically consisted of quizzing each other from the packets which had some very adult type questions that broke down the book and got very nitty-gritty on details. We got to know our packets forward and backwards and all in between as we tried to stump each other, sometimes even going so far as to ask the questions in reverse by giving the answer and looking for the keywords in the question itself.

Then the day came for Battle of the Books. It was a real sweet deal. I can’t remember where we met exactly but I have a feeling it was where the school board met. Teams were isolated in their own rooms with their study packets waiting for their turn to battle. We all started off on the same foot and advanced through brackets to the final championship round.

We got there and our teams were tied. We were the best readers competing against each other and nobody dared missed a question. We ended up in a bonus tie breaker, which we won when I buzzed in and answered. I never felt more proud than I did that day!

I still have the Battle of the Books trophy. It’s displayed prominently on my shelves. Of course, now I use it as a bookend to hold all my books in place.

Do you have Battle of the Books at your school? Have you ever participated and is it anything like mine was? If not, how is yours set up?

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Audio Review: The Battle of the Labyrinth (Percy Jackson, Book 4) by Rick Riordan

Pop Your Top and Read

First Mate Keira — Wed, 27 Jul 2011 14:54:55 +0000

by First Mate Keira

Pop Your Top and Read days are some of the best days in elementary school. I remember looking forward to those days with gleeful abandon. In an effort to promote one of my favorite reading activities I’m going to talk a little more in-depth on what it is and how to get the maximum enjoyment out of it.

What exactly is Pop Your Top and Read?

Pop Your Top and Read is a reading activity put on by the home room or reading teacher in school. It is usually done in elementary education and not in the older secondary schools. Kids are invited to bring a drink and a book for a scheduled reading break during the day. Sometimes snacks or lunch is also involved—it’s a matter of preference on the teacher’s part.

When the scheduled reading time arrives the teacher announces to the class to put away their things and to grab their book and drink. Depending on the teacher the activity can be done in the classroom, in which case students will either stay at their desks or spread around the room to get in a comfortable reading position.

Other times it can be done outdoors like an extra recess. Kids will situate themselves around the playground or hallways and soak up the sun and breeze before cracking their books. Outdoor Pop Your Top and Read days are subject to the whims of the weather and you may have to adjust and head back indoors if it’s raining or snowing.

Most students, like I did myself back in the day, will bring a soda can or a can of juice. It makes it all the more satisfying when the teacher calls out “1, 2, 3!” everybody pops their tops at the same time. As I recall, it is a very satisfying sound!

Reading goes on anywhere from thirty minutes to an hour.

Why I Loved Pop Your Top and Read:

I love reading and an excuse to skip school work and dive into a book was always welcomed. What made Pop Your Top and Read most exciting though was getting to bring a can of soda into class, something not allowed under normal circumstances.

It felt so good because it was so forbidden back then, either because the school was relatively new and they were anxious to avoid cockroaches or because super sugary substances were just generally frowned upon back then. I know that makes me sound rather old, but I promise I’m not!

Do you have Pop Your Top and Read days at school? If you do, do you look forward to them?

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10 Tips to Creating an Awesome Book Club

First Mate Keira — Sun, 26 Jun 2011 10:31:26 +0000

by First Mate Keira, guest blogger

Love books? Have friends that love them too or want to find new book-loving friends? Start a book club! Here are ten tips to ensure your book club gets off the ground and is a lot of fun!

Pick Good Books. You should suggest books for your book club that are either award winning, highly recommended, or well known favorites. This guarantees most of your members will like the book.
Figure out the type of your book club. Are you mother-daughter pairs, a bunch of friends from the same school year, or mostly total strangers when you start?
Meet monthly. If you pick books out weekly there are too many things that could get in the way of finishing the book. Life is busy between after school activities, homework, chores, and family time. Make it as easy as possible on your members to read the book in time for the meeting.
Meet in a comfortable location. Be sure to have enough chairs and space for your club. You can meet at a house, a library, in a park, or book store. Wherever you pick, make sure your book club members are comfortable and feel free to talk.
Make a flyer. Your club should have a flyer describing when and where you meet, what book is being read, and what to expect. Place this where kids can access it whether it’s at your school library or a public library.
Come up with discussion questions. A book club doesn’t have to revolve around really hard questions. Ask some fun ones like your favorite moment, invention, pet, or saying, etc. Have your members bring their own questions!
Create a game inspired by the book. If you create a game out of the book and have prizes your reading club is going to be having a blast!
Snacks! Book clubs are best with snacks. Have each member sign up monthly to bring something. If you have more than 12 people, assign two or more to each month to divvy up costs. Or better still hold a club potluck every time! Food and books, what more could you want?
Create a club scrapbook. Take pictures each month of the book club meeting and put them in a memory album. Share it with members at the end of the year for a trip through memory lane!
Have different people lead the club. This way there are more people in the leader spot and everybody has a chance to call the shots. Everyone will then appreciate the leaders and nobody will be moody because they didn't get a say in things.

Keira runs a book review blog for readers by readers on romance novels entitled Love Romance Passion. She’s been reading romance since she was in her teens and began blogging about romance so she could share her passion for her favorite genre. She loves reading paranormal, Regency, historical America, and highlander most of all and completely adores blind and wounded heroes.

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Halloween Costumes of Your Favorite Characters

PirateYarr — Sat, 18 Jun 2011 08:59:14 +0000

Halloween is so much fun for dressing up as your favorite characters from movies and TV shows. But what may be the most enjoyable aspect of it all is bringing your favorite book characters to life. You can let your imagination run wild with costumes based on favorite book characters and give your costume a personal spin based on what you envisioned while you were reading. Of course, you can find costumes for the really popular characters at any chain store or Halloween specialty store, but if you want to save some money and up the creativity, here are some easy ideas for Halloween costumes of your favorite characters.

Harry Potter: By now this one has become an old standby. Get some old glasses and punch the frames out (if you don't wear them already). Wear a robe with long sleeves, jeans, sneakers, and pick up a magic wand from a costume store. Using specialty Halloween makeup or even some of Mom's draw a scar on your forehead. That's it!

Coordinate with your friends to dress up as the whole gang -- redheaded Ron Weasley, the conniving Draco Malfoy with slicked-back blonde hair, or get someone's Dad to grow out his beard and be Hagrid.

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7h 53m

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Diary of a Wimpy Kid: The series is very popular, but designing corresponding costumes could be tricky -- how to make it clear you're a certain character from Wimpy Kid? Think about a particular favorite scene from one of the books or a certain character and go from there. Quote lines from the book, and coordinate with friends and go as different characters.

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Artemis Fowl: Dress more or less medieval, with multi-color garb from Goodwill or Salvation Army. Hoodies are good, and look around for fairy wings for Holly Short or any other of the series' fairy characters. Cheap plastic armor would work Domovoi Butler, Artemis' butler and bodyguard.

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Pippi Longstocking: Always a classic choice, all you need is a blue and white dress and a big orange wig. Have Mom help you braid it for the perfect pigtails. One of my favorite costumes I remember seeing is when a boy in my class dressed as Pippi in elementary school, complete with painted-on freckles and all.

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Vampire books: Vampire series are all the rage, and whether you want to go as someone from Twilight or Vampire Academy, you'll be able to make a great costume in no-time. Get some plastic fangs, powder up to look pale, use eye shadow for those deep, tired looking eyes, and wear what you normally wear. Go as a gang and act out the Edward vs. Jacob drama.

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12h

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The great thing about books is that you can let your imagination run wild. The characters in their pages appear in your mind as you imagine them, with a little bit of guidance from the author. Do the same with your Halloween costume. Have fun with it, be creative, and let it be a reflection of what you imagined.

Joseph Gustav is a guest blogger for My Dog Ate My Blog and a writer on online schools for Guide to Online Schools.

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Literature Young Adult Fiction » Reading Activities

5 Ways to Set and Meet Reading Goals

How to Host an Audio Book Club or Party

Who to Invite:

Where to Gather:

Picking the Audio Book:

Theme it Up:

Setting Up:

Discussion:

Why Read a Summer Book List

Summer Book Lists by Elementary School Grade:

Summer Book Lists for English Class:

5 Free or Discounted Things to Do with Your Library Card

1. Museum Passes:

2. Public Transportation Passes:

3. Zoo Passes:

4. State Park Passes:

5. Entertainment Passes:

Battle of the Books

Pop Your Top and Read

What exactly is Pop Your Top and Read?

Similar Pop Your Top and Read Activities:

Why I Loved Pop Your Top and Read:

10 Tips to Creating an Awesome Book Club

Halloween Costumes of Your Favorite Characters