Gotta Have It!
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Promote life-long reading with favorite Children's series
A curriculum study unit published by the Yale-New Haven Teachers Institute, a partnership between Yale University and the New Haven, Connecticut public schools, notes that a beginning reader must find enjoyment in reading in order to become a lifelong reader. Since the reading material is what provides the enjoyment, it is imperative, and challenging, to find material that will keep young students engaged. A great way to offer materials that young readers will enjoy is to offer "series" reading.
Reading books from a series provides many benefits. Familiar text makes the activity less taxing, allowing children to become confident readers, creating a feeling of success. The better the novice reader is at the skill, the more enjoyment he or she is likely to gain. Once a child connects with a series, he realizes that the books are enjoyable which gives him the desire to read again. In addition, having an entire class read series books proves beneficial as well. When two or more children enjoy the same series, an opportunity for social interactivity is created.
Reluctant readers can benefit heavily from series reading. When a reluctant reader connects with a series, it builds confidence in the activity and helps the individual become a member of a community of readers. Reluctant readers are also served by the repetition of words and the predictability of the texts. Young readers learn how to sort significant details from less significant ones, and learn how to anticipate what may or should happen. Young readers become skilled readers not through exercises and tests, but through "free" reading. As series readers peruse a book, they continuously come across words they already know and learn to skim, surmise, and conclude.
For more information and to learn more about incorporating series books into your curriculum click here.