Does the Guinness book of World Records count as reading? About this time every summer, my boys and I start negotiating what counts as reading. As we haggle over what “counts” for their 20-30 minutes of daily reading time, I try to keep in mind all I have learned from other parents, teachers and researchers. So here is a list of what my family has decided “counts” as summer reading.
- Chapter books of any type – Seems obvious, but when it is the 6th book about a soccer star, sometimes I must grind my teeth and grin.
- Graphic novels – Yes, the word count is much lower, but my teacher friends tell me that the comprehension is actually more difficult because it involves so much visual interpretation.
- Guinness Book of World Records – Okay, this one may be unique to our household, but reading about the most tattooed man counts.
- Audio books – This one was tricky. However, reading experts opened my eyes to the value of modeling fluent reading, teaching critical listening, and introducing vocabulary that is unique to audio books.
- Digital e-books – Here I am talking about “enhanced” books, with sounds and gizmos and gadgets. Still counts as reading.
- Web surfing – This one is very fuzzy. Our rule is it only counts if you can come and share with me the specific idea or article you read.
- Magazines – While I like National Geographic for Kids best, but any magazine counts.
