by Evelyn J. Mocbeichel
I don’t have to go far back in time to recall the traditional “Summer Reading Lists for Students” as our three children had them throughout grade and high school years. It pleased me to see this aspect of their school education as it was the same I had decades earlier. This was an incentive to read for the students that had to be coaxed since it was required to produce the list of books read, with a short summary of each when school resumed. Luckily our children enjoyed reading and only a mild reminder was given to be sure the hour of reading was done daily. Summer activities and fun times would be put on hold until after the reading session. Sometimes it was even fortunate that a book was selected that no coaxing had to be given to pick it up and continue the story.
According to the child’s grade level, the school gave a printed list of “recommendations” to pick from with a wide variety of topics. The list included current book titles, biographies, adventure, science fiction, humor, fantasy and of course well known classics, which were my favorites. I would try to encourage them to select a few classics from the ten books they were required to read over the summer. Naturally, when we went to the library to select books we did not have at home, I would smile when I saw that the thickness of the book was a consideration over the content or subject matter. If too “thick” the book was rejected. Letting the child pick what books to read was the main objective here. Reading should be encouraged throughout the whole year and not just when children have off for summer vacation. 
To help parents with ideas of classics for children, here is a list of some popular titles from both American and European authors. Depending on the grade level of the child, parents can help pick out appropriate selections. Little Women by Louisa May Alcott, The Prince and the Pauper by Mark Twain, Swiss Family Robinson by Johann D. Wyss, Treasure Island by Louis Stevenson, Heidi by Johanna Spyri, Charlotte’s Webb by E.B. White and Old Yeller. This is only a starter list to give you a few ideas and I am sure parents have their favorites to suggest. Here is an interesting website that gives an idea of children’s book by the decades. Children can read some of their parents or grandparents favorites and get an idea how topics, writing styles and subject matter has evolved over the years. At the top of the website are games, crafts and activities to do with children. Scroll to the bottom to find the reading lists by grade. https://www.whatdowedoallday.com/
After our children finished reading a book they enjoyed during their assignments, I had an idea to add to their experience. Most classic books have been made into full length film features starring noted movie stars or some into animation. The Headless Horseman, by Washing Irving, is a perfect example of a film that is beloved by children as they watch the semi scary events that happen to Ichabod Crane. The public library is a perfect resource in finding many of these full length features as well as searching television internet selections On Demand. I saved the movies for a rainy day when the children would say, “I’m bored,” when we couldn’t go swimming or do outdoor activities. Since the film list was so extensive sometimes we end up watching them well into the winter months, which also was something to do on snowy, icy days indoors. I made sure not to show the film first before the book was read, otherwise there would be a hesitation to select that one as it was too familiar. Reading is a wonderful pastime that increases a child’s vocabulary, informs about other cultures, parts of history or travels and adventures they may never experience. It is also shows them solo time is well spent in a pleasurable pastime.
Most libraries offer extensive summer programs for parents and children that are free, educational and varied in the times and days offered. For instance, The Montauk Library has a monthly calendar listing the topics they offer which range from lectures, crafts, exercise, learning a foreign language, computer help, guest speakers, and much more. Their children’s program offer activities for the very young child like being creative with Play-Doh, a fun hands-on experience for children to stimulate their imagination, ages 3-6 with caregiver. There is also a playtime program that focuses on parent/child interactions with play and exploration. It’s an opportunity to meet other families with young children while they play with educational toys. On some days there are craft activities for children of older ages as well as a Saturday afternoon children’s movie time each week. To read more about the Montauk Library’s programs visit their website at https://montauklibrary.org/. If you live out of the area, check out your local library to see what is offered year round. You’ll be surprised at the activities and resources available for all ages that opens a whole new world of exploration!