The changing of the season brings many joys to our area.  Football, caramel apples, bonfires and of course the Heritage Reunion.  The shorter days and cooler weather also mean more time spent indoors.  What better way to spend the time inside than to go on a reading adventure?

A widely circulated statistic says that 33% of U.S high school graduates will never read another book after high school.  And yet children who see their parent (particularly the parent of the same gender) read for pleasure are more likely to enjoy reading themselves.

On September 27, PTO will kick off its annual read- a -thon in the elementary and middle school.  If previous years are any indication our students love to read!  Why not take this opportunity to read to, with or along side your child.  Your enthusiasm is contagious and shows how important reading and by extension, learning, is to you.

Of course sitting down with a book is not the only way to enjoy reading; lifestyle magazines that specialize in an interest or hobby, comic books that take you on an adventure and e-readers bring the book store or library to your finger tips.  Below are some tips for encouraging reading in your home, whether you have a reluctant or eager reader.  Here’s hoping reading takes you on an adventure soon!

Reading doesn’t have to cost a penny!  

Fair Grove is blessed to have a local library branch in the City Hall building that is open Monday through Saturday from 9:30- 7.   The library has special sections for emerging readers, adventurous readers, teens, small children and adults.  They can find books to suit any level or interest and have a large selection of e-books available for check out on your device.  Check out their website here: http://www.thelibrary.org/

The Missouri Department of Conservation offers free subscriptions to Missouri residents for  its youth magazine Xplor http://xplor.mdc.mo.gov/xplor/get-xplor-magazine and its general magazine.

Starting a home library for your child shows her how important books are.

Having books of her own in a special place boosts the chance that your child will want to read even

more. (http://www2.ed.gov/parents/academic/help/reader/reader.pdf)  Whether you have a special shelf or basket for her library books that rotate or a place stocked with beloved favorites, having a peaceful place for reading is a way to encourage independent reading and help teach how to take care of books.

Reading can help us tackle life’s challenges.  

Engaging stories help us place ourselves in the action and empathize with others.   Hero stories can help readers learn what it means to be brave, how to persevere and spark imaginative play.   Fairy tales can help children deal with scary situations and see that there is a way through them.   Whether they seek solace in a true story or in make believe there is a book to help.

Kids’ Books with Lessons for Life : NPR

Happy reading this fall and if you have a tried and true favorite or discover a new one, won’t you share it with us in the comments section!