Posts Tagged parents
All the things you cannot see! This book list gives an introduction of all the different kinds of waves and radiation out there – and their sometimes surprising applications.
Wave Hi and Goodbye to Energy!: An Introduction to Waves
by Baby Professor
With colorful photographs and simple explanations, this book gives a basic introduction to the different waves of energies and their applications in day to day life.
Radar and the Raft: A True Story About a Scientific Marvel, the Lives it Saved, and the World it Changed
by Jeff Lantos
Are you looking for a tale that includes scientific discoveries, the dangers of war and a family in peril? This is the book for you. Jeff Lantos connects the dots between batteries and radar during World War II while adding into the mix a family’s harrowing journey. The result, a rollicking adventure through history. This is an adventure you won’t want to put down!
A Ray of Light: A Book of Science and Wonder
by Walter Wick
Fascinated by the world of light? Take a peek inside and discover what it is made of. With fabulous photographs and engaging text, readers will come to understand the secrets of light. Take a look at incandescence, light waves, the color spectrum and more; it just might change the way you observe the world.
Looking Up: An Illustrated Guide to Telescopes
by Jacob Kramer and Stephanie Scholz
Telescopes have been our partners exploring the skies for ages. How do they work? Are all telescopes the same? Peer inside this amazing book and learn about
the instrument that makes our skies shine.
Inside In: X-Rays of Nature’s Hidden World
Written by Jan Paul Schutten, photography by Arie van ‘t Riet, translated by Laura Watkinson
What can an X-ray show us? Only nature’s hidden world! See a seahorse’s skeleton, discover how a frog uses its eyes to swallow, and peek under a bee’s furry coat for starters. Images will amaze readers as they explore a world they never knew.
Unlocking the Universe: The Cosmic Discoveries of the Webb Space Telescope
by Suzanne Slade
It took thousands of people to build the James Webb Space Telescope. With the help of scientists and engineers, what started with a dream became an amazing reality. The result? Images that captivated the world. This is the story of the James Webb Space Telescope, and it will astound you.
The Radium Girls: Young Readers’ Edition: The Scary but True Story of the Poison that Made People Glow in the Dark
by Kate Moore
The true story of the young women who worked in watch factories painting dials with glow-in-the-dark radium paint – and started falling ill with a mysterious illness, and their determination to fight back. For fans of both science and history.
The Way Things Work
by David Macaulay
Learn about all things physics in this exciting, fun-filled book, including about different kinds of waves and their applications.
X-Rays: Super Science Feats: Medical Breakthroughs
by Alicia Z Klepeis
With photographs, infographics and activities, this book is an introduction to how x-rays were discovered, how X-ray imaging works, and its applications.
Microwaves
by Traci Vonder Brink
Microwaves don’t just cook your food! This book tells us all the other things that microwaves do – carry messages, help detect weather and much more!
Understanding and Using Radio Waves (Electromagnetic Spectrum)
by Elizabeth Rubio
Radio waves don’t just mean music on your radio. The applications of radio waves are far-reaching – it is used in space exploration too! Learn all about radio waves, transmitters, AM/FM frequencies and much more in this book.
Susan Summers is a wildlife enthusiast and an author. Contact her at: https://susan-inez-summers.weebly.com/
Shruthi Rao is an author. Her home on the web is https://shruthi-rao.com
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If you’re a parent or guardian raising a middle grader, you might find yourself worrying about their reading habits. Rest assured, there are many ways to keep your child immersed in the world of words, even as they navigate the ups and downs of adolescence.
Before middle school, your child might have been an avid reader, eagerly visiting the library and happily tackling writing assignments. But as they grow older, even a relaxing beach read can become a challenge. As their interests shift, it’s the perfect time to introduce new genres and learning activities. Their minds may be on a rollercoaster, but their hunger for stories remains.
Here are five ways to keep your adolescent reader engaged and curious about words:
1. Keep Up the Library Visits
Libraries are treasure troves of resources and activities for teens. Many offer special clubs, summer events, and interactive sessions designed just for them. If your child feels “too cool” for these, find a compromise. Drop them off for an hour with no expectations. They might discover a friend to join them or stumble upon an activity that piques their interest. The key is routine. From reading books and magazines to engaging with librarians or learning a craft, there’s something for everyone at the library.
2. Reinvent Pen Pals
Writing to someone far away can be a fun and meaningful activity. Encourage your child to write letters or postcards to relatives or friends in other countries. This not only hones their writing skills but also broadens their cultural horizons. Establish a routine to make it a regular activity. Avoiding textspeak is crucial, so partnering with someone older or from a different culture can be a rewarding experience.
3. Start or Join a Book Club
Book clubs provide a structured way to keep up with reading. The anticipation of discussing that unexpected twist in chapter six can motivate even reluctant readers. Check out local libraries or bookstores for organized clubs, or start one with other parents. Letting your child choose the book can make them more invested in the experience. Plus, it’s a great way for them to connect with peers who share their interests.
4. Create a Reading or Writing Competition
Sometimes a little friendly competition can work wonders. Set up a reading or writing challenge with enticing rewards, such as a trip to the park, a bookstore gift certificate, or a backyard sleepover. The key is to make the prizes fun and family-oriented. This approach turns reading and writing into a game, making it more appealing and rewarding for your child.
5. Read Together
Set aside time for the whole family to unplug and read together. Whether it’s in the living room or on the porch, the simple act of sitting together while immersed in different worlds can be profoundly bonding. Consider selecting a book to read aloud as a family, which can spark discussions and shared excitement over the story.
Bonus Tip: Explore Audiobooks and Graphic Novels
For kids who might resist traditional reading, audiobooks and graphic novels offer an engaging alternative. These formats can reignite their love for stories and provide a different way to enjoy literature.
We’d love to hear about your adventures in keeping your middle grader engaged with reading. Share your stories and tips in the comments below!
