It is a new milestone for the children - transition from reading picture books to chapter books! In this post, we are sharing how we helped our children to start reading chapter books.
1. Look for engaging chapter book series
For the start, look for chapter books that have easy-to-read text, as well as simple plot lines. Do not be too eager to get books that are full of text! Get chapter books that have purposeful illustrations which would help the children to comprehend the story.
2. Choose chapter books that are age-appropriate
The children usually choose books with attractive cover. However, the reading level may not be age-appropriate. Some books indicate the suitable age, so that you do not need to read the entire book to check. You can ask the children to read the first few pages of the book, and check whether they understand the story by asking them to tell you what the story is about.
3. Check the children's understanding about the story
Reading a chapter book is different from reading a picture book, it often takes more than one reading session to complete the book. Therefore the children have to remember what happened in the story in the previous reading session, otherwise, it would be difficult to follow up in the next reading session. To help the children in this aspect, you can ask them to share with you what happened in the story after they have read the book, or, you can do this before they continue reading the next part of the book.
You may ask, so what chapter books are suitable for the new independent young readers? Branches from Scholastic is a unique line of books that bridge the gap between the leveled readers to traditional chapter books.
Sharing with you some of the books from Branches that our children have read:
Eerie Elementary #1: The School Is Alive!
Authors: Jack Chabert and Sam Ricks
Age: 6 - 8
About the story:
Sam Graves discovers that his elementary school is ALIVE! Sam finds this out on his first day as the school hall monitor. Sam must defend himself and his fellow students against the evil school! Is Sam up to the challenge? He'll find out soon enough: the class play is just around the corner. Sam teams up with friends Lucy and Antonio to stop this scary school before it's too late!
Kung Pow Chicken #1: Let's Get Cracking!
Author: Cyndi Marko
Age: 5 - 7
About the story:
Gordon Blue was just an ordinary second grader—until he became the superhero known as Kung Pow Chicken. Now Gordon must put his super powers to the test…. He is having a blast at the Fowl Festival, but then POOF! Feathers fill the air and naked chickens fill the streets. Is the Evil Granny Goosebumps up to no good? Kung Pow Chicken is about to find out!
Owl Diaries #1: Eva's Treetop Festival
Author: Rebecca Elliott
Age: 5 - 7
About the story:
Eva Wingdale gets in over her head when she decides to create a Bloomtastic Festival at school. Even with her best friend Lucy's help, there is no way she will get everything done in time. Will Eva have to ask Sue (a.k.a. Meanie McMeanerson) for help? Or will the festival have to be cancelled?
Missy's Super Duper Royal Deluxe: Picture Day!
Author: Susan Nees
Age: 5 - 7
About the story:
It's almost picture day, and Missy has her outfit all picked out. It will have ruffles, rainbows, ribbons, and sparkles! But Mom has a different outfit in mind. Will Missy's picture day turn into her worst day EVER?
Hilde Cracks the Case #1: Hero Dog!
Author: Hilde Lysiak with Matthew Lysiak
Age: 6 - 8
About the story:
Nine-year-old crime reporter Hilde Lysiak is starring in her very own early chapter book series -- inspired by news stories Hilde wrote in real life! In this first book, there's been a break-in on Orange Street! Cupcakes have been stolen, and soon a pie goes missing, too. Hilde and her sister/photographer, Izzy, must interview witnesses and follow the clues. Can Hilde crack the case in time to post her news story online? Joanne Lew-Vriethoff's personality-filled illustrations appear on every page, bringing Hilde's adventures to life for young readers!
The Notebook of Doom: Rise of the Balloon Goons
Author: Troy Cummings
Age: 6 - 8
About the story:
Alexander Bopp has just moved to Stermont, and already, he thinks it is one creepy town. First, he finds a notebook filled with monster drawings. Then he starts seeing balloon goons—those arm-waving balloon men—all over town. Are they after him? And what's really in that notebook? Alexander is about to find out!
Press Start! #1: Game Over, Super Rabbit Boy!
Author: Thomas Flintham
Age: 5 - 7
About the story:
Uh-oh, Animal Town is in trouble! Meanie King Viking has created a dreaded robot army to spread No Fun across the land. On top of that, he has stolen the happiest and most fun animal ever, Singing Dog. There is only one person who can save the day -- Super Rabbit Boy! Super Rabbit Boy is super fast and super brave, but he's also a video game character living in a video game world. What will happen when Sunny, the boy playing the game, loses each level? Will it be game over for Super Rabbit Boy and all his friends?
Other than these books, there are other series in Branches. Check out the books at Scholastic's website http://www.scholastic.com/branches/index.htm
Eerie Elementary #1: The School Is Alive!
Authors: Jack Chabert and Sam Ricks
Age: 6 - 8
About the story:
Sam Graves discovers that his elementary school is ALIVE! Sam finds this out on his first day as the school hall monitor. Sam must defend himself and his fellow students against the evil school! Is Sam up to the challenge? He'll find out soon enough: the class play is just around the corner. Sam teams up with friends Lucy and Antonio to stop this scary school before it's too late!
Kung Pow Chicken #1: Let's Get Cracking!
Author: Cyndi Marko
Age: 5 - 7
About the story:
Gordon Blue was just an ordinary second grader—until he became the superhero known as Kung Pow Chicken. Now Gordon must put his super powers to the test…. He is having a blast at the Fowl Festival, but then POOF! Feathers fill the air and naked chickens fill the streets. Is the Evil Granny Goosebumps up to no good? Kung Pow Chicken is about to find out!
Owl Diaries #1: Eva's Treetop Festival
Author: Rebecca Elliott
Age: 5 - 7
About the story:
Eva Wingdale gets in over her head when she decides to create a Bloomtastic Festival at school. Even with her best friend Lucy's help, there is no way she will get everything done in time. Will Eva have to ask Sue (a.k.a. Meanie McMeanerson) for help? Or will the festival have to be cancelled?
Missy's Super Duper Royal Deluxe: Picture Day!
Author: Susan Nees
Age: 5 - 7
About the story:
It's almost picture day, and Missy has her outfit all picked out. It will have ruffles, rainbows, ribbons, and sparkles! But Mom has a different outfit in mind. Will Missy's picture day turn into her worst day EVER?
Hilde Cracks the Case #1: Hero Dog!
Author: Hilde Lysiak with Matthew Lysiak
Age: 6 - 8
About the story:
Nine-year-old crime reporter Hilde Lysiak is starring in her very own early chapter book series -- inspired by news stories Hilde wrote in real life! In this first book, there's been a break-in on Orange Street! Cupcakes have been stolen, and soon a pie goes missing, too. Hilde and her sister/photographer, Izzy, must interview witnesses and follow the clues. Can Hilde crack the case in time to post her news story online? Joanne Lew-Vriethoff's personality-filled illustrations appear on every page, bringing Hilde's adventures to life for young readers!
The Notebook of Doom: Rise of the Balloon Goons
Author: Troy Cummings
Age: 6 - 8
About the story:
Alexander Bopp has just moved to Stermont, and already, he thinks it is one creepy town. First, he finds a notebook filled with monster drawings. Then he starts seeing balloon goons—those arm-waving balloon men—all over town. Are they after him? And what's really in that notebook? Alexander is about to find out!
Press Start! #1: Game Over, Super Rabbit Boy!
Author: Thomas Flintham
Age: 5 - 7
About the story:
Uh-oh, Animal Town is in trouble! Meanie King Viking has created a dreaded robot army to spread No Fun across the land. On top of that, he has stolen the happiest and most fun animal ever, Singing Dog. There is only one person who can save the day -- Super Rabbit Boy! Super Rabbit Boy is super fast and super brave, but he's also a video game character living in a video game world. What will happen when Sunny, the boy playing the game, loses each level? Will it be game over for Super Rabbit Boy and all his friends?
Other than these books, there are other series in Branches. Check out the books at Scholastic's website http://www.scholastic.com/branches/index.htm
Disclaimer: We received the books for review purpose. No monetary compensation was received. All opinions and photos are mine.
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