As the holiday season approaches, the hustle and bustle of festivities may momentarily distract us from the value of quiet moments spent with a good book. Mrs. Erin Hendrix, a teacher at Grand Canyon Private Academy with more than 20 years of firmly believes that fostering a love for reading in our youth is an essential gift we can give them.

“That's why I am excited to share five strategies to keep the reading spirit alive in your home, as well as my carefully curated list of captivating books that promise to keep young minds engaged and inspired over the holiday break,” said Hendrix.

Kendrix recommends:

Create a reading nook: Gather all the pillows and blankets and find a place in the home where your child feels most comfortable.

Establish family reading time: Reading as a family not only encourages reading but also fosters conversation and togetherness.

Visit the library or a bookstore: Make a trip out of reading and allow your children to choose the books that make them excited to read.

Incorporate technology: Embrace the digital age and look for e-books and audiobooks.

Share your love for reading: Do you remember the book that made you fall in love with reading? Share it with your child by reading it aloud. This builds vocabulary, improves reading comprehension and strengthens fluency.

“In a world filled with “noise, finding books that both entertain and educate can be a challenge. Fear not, because this holiday season, I've also selected five books that cater to different interests, ensuring a perfect match for your young reader,” said Hendrix.

They are:
Fantastic Mr. Fox by Roald Dahl (series, ages 6+)
Charlie and the Chocolate Factory by Roald Dahl (ages 6+)
Wolves of the Beyond by Kathryn Lasky (series, ages 8+)
Warriors by Erin Hunter (series, ages 8+)
The Books of Elsewhere by Jacqueline West (series, 9+)
The Wonderful Wizard of Oz by L. Frank Baum (ages 12+)

“As an educator, I understand the importance of encouraging reading during the holidays. These recommendations are ideal for gifts or stocking stuffers,” said Hendrix. “Books have the power to transport young minds to new worlds, spark creativity and ignite a passion for learning. I hope you will find these strategies and books great choices for the holiday season. I encourage you to explore them with your child, whether independently or as part of a family activity.”

These approaches will not only keep young minds engaged over the holidays, they will help instill a lasting love for reading.