Year 7 – 8 parent/student recreational reading partnership

It’s miSipur leSipur time again. If you’re unfamiliar with this program, the aim is for you and your child to choose, and read, the same book at the same time during the upcoming holiday. The Library will supply you with a list of available titles, two copies of your chosen text, and a list of possible questions to help get your discussion started.

Is your child a reluctant reader?

Reading is hard for everyone. Reluctant readers often need adult encouragement and self belief to get started. Think of it as a recreational reading partnership.

What’s the point of recreational reading?

Reading can offer an escape from study or a busy social life. It can transport to real and imaginary places, clarify thoughts and feelings, build empathy and understanding for others, identify and tackle world issues, and be a gateway to conversations with family and friends. A recommended title, followed by a discussion over dinner, can often help a reluctant reader see social value in reading.

How can you share a love of stories with your reluctant reader?

Choose and read a book together, then chat about the characters and themes along the way. You would be modelling reading while also demonstrating the value you place on adolescent fiction. Or, just read to each other. It’s a fun bonding exercise and is often forgotten when children start secondary school.

When can we get started?

Now. The aim of miSipur leSipur is for you and your child to choose, and read, the same book at the same time during the December/January school holidays. The High School Library will supply you with a list of available titles, two copies of your chosen text, and a list of possible questions to help get your discussion started.

If you and your child would like to participate in this recreational reading partnership please email your chosen title to the Library staff by Thursday 26 November 2020. With your support we aim to build a culture of readers and reading at Emanuel School.

• Steampunk: Westerfeld, Leviathan
• Dystopian: Marsden, Tomorrow, when the world began
• Family: Foxlee, Lenny’s book of everything
• Identity: Jonsberg, A song only I can hear

By Karen McAndrew – Teacher Librarian