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Amphitheater Public Schools

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Home to Hallways: Fall Into Reading

Posted Date: 11/09/26 (04:39 PM)
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Home to Hallways

Fall Into Reading

A graphic with the text "Home to Hallways: Hand in Hand for Student Success" above illustrations of school supplies.

A SEASON FOR STORIES

As the weather cools and the holiday season approaches, November is a wonderful time to slow down, spend time together, and enjoy a good story. Reading doesn't have to mean sitting quietly with a book. Reading can mean, exploring a new recipe, learning about a new hobby, listening to an audiobook, or discovering something interesting to share with others. 
 
You don't need expensive materials or hours of free time to build a love of reading. A few minutes of reading and conversation each day can make a difference!
 

Five Ways to Make Reading Part of Family Life

1. Make reading a family habit: Set aside 10–15 minutes for everyone to read. Parents can read, too! Children are more likely to enjoy reading when they see adults doing it.

2. Read beyond books: Recipes, menus, directions, graphic novels, magazines, sports articles, and online stories all count. Let children explore what interests them.

3. Ask questions as you read: Try “What do you think will happen next?” or “Would you have made the same choice?” Conversations help children think about what they read.

4. Create a reading spot: Find a comfortable corner, add a few books or magazines, and make it a place where family members can relax and read.

5. Try audiobooks and read-alouds: Listening to stories builds vocabulary, comprehension, and imagination. Enjoy an audiobook in the car or listen together at home.
 

Reading Activities for Every Age

Reading looks different at every age. The goal is to help children discover what they enjoy while giving families opportunities to connect.

Elementary school: Make reading an adventure!

Younger children learn through stories, imagination, play, and repetition. Make reading interactive and let children take the lead.
  • Storytime Scavenger Hunt: After reading, find a kind character, something funny, a problem the character solved, something surprising, and a favorite word or illustration.
  • Create Your Own Bookmark: Use paper, markers, stickers, and crayons to design a bookmark featuring a favorite character, message, or reading goal.
  • Become the Storyteller: Take turns adding one sentence at a time until your family creates a silly, surprising, or adventurous story.
  • Read and Create: Draw a new book cover, build a story setting with blocks, create a character puppet, or act out a favorite scene.

Parent tip: Let your child choose the books, even if they want to read the same story over and over. Rereading builds familiarity, confidence, and vocabulary.

Middle school: Read, explore, and connect!

Middle school students are developing their own interests and independence. Encourage them to explore different types of reading and connect stories to their lives.
  • Book-to-Movie Challenge: Read a book or listen to its audiobook, then watch the movie together. Compare the versions: What was left out? Which did you enjoy more? What would you change?
  • Create a Playlist for a Book: Choose 5–7 songs that match a book's characters, setting, or mood. Explain why each song belongs on the playlist.
Middle School Cont.
  • The 20-Minute Interest Challenge: Choose sports, gaming, fashion, science, cooking, music, or history. Read about it for 20 minutes, then share three interesting things you learned.
  • Design a New Book Cover: Create a new cover for a book you've read and explain how the design represents the story.

Parent tip: Don't limit reading to traditional novels. Graphic novels, comics, biographies, blogs, sports articles, and other age-appropriate materials all count.

High school: Read for life, learning, and independence!

High school students are preparing for college, careers, and life beyond the classroom. Reading helps them evaluate information, communicate effectively, and make informed decisions.
  • The Real-World Reading Challenge: Read reviews before buying something, follow a recipe, research a career or college program, explore a current event, or follow instructions for a new hobby.
  • Family Newsroom: Choose a news story and have family members read about it from different sources. Compare facts, perspectives, and questions that remain.
  • Read, Reflect, Recommend: Recommend a book, article, or podcast transcript. Explain what it was about, what you found interesting, who might enjoy it, and why.
  • Teach Us Something!: Read about a skill or subject you enjoy, then teach your family something new, such as a cooking technique, sports strategy, technology tip, or game.

Parent tip: Give teens opportunities to choose what they read. Connect reading with their goals, hobbies, and future plans.
 

A Reminder for Parents: Every Language Counts!

If your family speaks more than one language at home, keep reading, telling stories, and having conversations in the language you know best. Sharing stories in your home language helps children build vocabulary, strengthen communication skills, and develop a love of reading. Children can enjoy books in English, their home language, or both!
 

Family Reading Challenge: 7 Days of Reading Together

Make reading a family adventure! Try one activity each day. Everyone can participate, regardless of age.

☐ Day 1 — Read Something New
Choose a book, article, comic, or magazine you haven't read before.

☐ Day 2 — Read Together
Spend 15 minutes reading as a family.

☐ Day 3 — Read and Create
Draw, build, cook, or make something inspired by what you read.

☐ Day 4 — Read About Your Interests
Find something to read about a favorite hobby or topic.

☐ Day 5 — Share a Story
Tell someone about something interesting you read.

☐ Day 6 — Explore a New Place
Visit a library or bookstore, or explore a free online reading resource.

☐ Day 7 — Family Reading Night
Put away distractions, grab a favorite book, and enjoy reading together.
 

Make Reading a Family Conversation

Reading together doesn't have to end when the book closes. A few simple questions can help children think more deeply and make connections to their own experiences.
  • What is the most interesting thing you read today?
  • If you could meet one character from a book, who would it be?
  • What is something you learned recently that surprised you?
  • If you could write a book, what would it be about?
  • What is something you would like to learn more about?
  • Can you recommend something you have read, watched, or listened to?

Remember: You don't have to have all the answers. Showing curiosity and listening to your child's ideas are important parts of building a reading culture at home.
 

Reading Resources for Families

 

It's Not About How Many Pages You Read

The goal isn't to finish a certain number of books or spend hours reading every day. It's about helping children discover that reading can be enjoyable, useful, and part of everyday life.
 
A bedtime story, a shared recipe, an interesting article, or a conversation about a favorite book can all help build a lifelong love of learning.
 
THIS NOVEMBER, FALL INTO READING. YOU MIGHT BE SURPRISED BY WHERE A GOOD STORY TAKES YOU!