How do we do a TogetheRead ?

Make each TogetheRead theme a celebration you do as a family. Set aside certain times during the week to find the books, read together, or do an activity. Maybe you want to plan a trip to a library every week or two, then “reserve” a time as you would for a favorite TV show. Only this time will be TogetheRead time. Be sure to include some chances to read aloud, even with the youngest child reading some passages, or to take turns reading to each other. If everyone is old enough to read silently, include a cozy time curled up with your books. Don’t forget to stop and talk about what you are reading! Since the family is reading about the same theme, you can even talk about your books as you ride in the car or eat dinner. You can even call Grandma and talk to her or read her a passage over the phone.

To build excitement and involvement with reading, try our Tips to Build Better Readers. Don’t forget to stop back periodically to find a new tip.

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What do you mean by “theme”?

Each collection of books and activities is centered loosely around a common topic. The books are differentenough togive variety but similar enough that you and your family can read different books on the list (mostly together, or some separately) and still have plenty to talk about and do together. The theme makes it easier to find activities for all ages, too.

How much time do we need?
You can spend as much or as little time as your family wants. Taking the time to find the books and read together at some point is important. Of course you will want to talk about them and maybe try an activity that fits your style. You may find that some months you have more time than others, but launching the new theme can be a regular family get-together. You may find that your family enjoys the TogetheRead themes enough to make more time for them.

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When can we fit this into our busy schedule?
Some families may read the books while waiting for a doctor’s appointment or during the 15 minutes before the dryer buzzes. Look for times as short as 15 minutes. Better yet, look for a day when your family could forget TV for just one hour and make a regular “date” for a TogetheRead. The more you do, the better readers all of you will be and the more fun you will have together.

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My teenager would never read with me. How can we include him/her?
The middle school/young adult and mature teen books are intended so your teenager can read without having to sit snuggled up next to you, if that is not your style. You may want to include an aunt, uncle, “big brother,” or grandparent in the TogetheRead to entice your teen into participating. When all else fails, sometimes the offer of a pizza night to discuss the books sometimes helps. You might also consider including your teen's best friend as a member of your “family” for a TogetheRead. Your teen does not have to read in the same room with you, but you can still talk about the books in the car on the way to practice or the mall.

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My kids spend half their time with their other parent. How can we do this?
Even if you and the children’s other parent do not talk much, if everyone is reading the same theme, both of you have something to talk to the children about and to do “as a family.”  There are enough activity options to avoid duplication. Often, children actually like repeating some of the activities. And they will enjoy the “continuity” of sharing the theme in both homes.

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Do we have to do everything in the TogetheRead?
Of course not. TeachersandFamilies is offering you many choices of books so you can find the activities and books you like best.

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What if we don’t like the book after we try it for a bit?
If you try one choice and find you do now like it after reading a chapter or two, try another option. There are always several for each age group.

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How do we know which books from the lists are the right ones?
The books are listed in different broad reading/interest levels:

• Preschool and Picture Books  for non- readers or those who want a “grown-up” to read to them
• Early Elementary Books  for beginning readers who want to read themselves or to a family member
• Upper Elementary to Middle school Books for those who like “chapter books” and can read longer choices at an upper elementary to middle school level
• Middle School to Young Adult Books for later middle schoolers or those more teen-age interests and tastes
• Books for Mature Teens and Adults for readers who are ready for books with more sophisticated topics with more challenging vocabulary and ideas

Each book listing also includes a description so you know what the book is about.

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My child reads above/below grade level. How do I pick out the right books from the list?

If the books on one level seem too hard or too easy, slide to the next level. The nice thing is that you are still within the theme, so reading level does not matter. Check the descriptions to be sure that better readers are not selecting options that have content that is not age-appropriate. You can always pre-read a book if you are concerned about certain subject matter.

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Where do we get the books?
This will depend on your community library, school library, local bookstores, and other resources available to you. Here are some options:

• Take the list to the public library and ask for help finding the books. Click here to find the closest one to you. If the library does not have the books, they can often borrow them from another library for you, free of charge.
  
  
• Share the list with the school librarian. He/she may be willing to check which books are available in the school and elsewhere, especially if several families in the school or the school parents’ organization asks for this help.
  
  
• Check with used bookstores or church book sales. If you do collect several books for a theme, keep them together and offer to trade or loan them with other families you know through school, church, or synagogue.
  
  
• Order the books online and purchase them as a group. Maybe another family will be willing to buy the set next month and share.
  
• Tell your librarians where the lists are coming from and show them the TogetheRead web page. They may be willing to try to find the books for you once they know where the lists come from. Tell the library to contact TeachersandFamilies for some free bookmarks to promote family reading.

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When will there be a new theme?
TeachersandFamilies will change the theme about once a month.

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How do we make a theme last a full month?
If you read quickly and run out of books try the links at the end of the theme to find more books on the topic. You can also ask your librarian for recommendations. The more you read on the theme, the more you can compare the different books. If you think of other activities to go along with the theme, please tell us! We will share them with other families.

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Who made these lists of books and activities?
TeachersandFamilies' professional staff developed the TogetheRead themes and activities. Our staff includes experienced library and reading professionals, as well as practicing teachers. The Reading Strategies that are interwoven in the questions and booklists are based on the research of reading experts.

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What other themes are there?
There will always be a free, current theme available on TeachersandFamilies. Archived themes are available for those who join our site for a small annual fee.

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Where does the money go?
TeachersandFamilies is part of a non-profit learning technologies corporation, NITV. Our funding supports the TeachersandFamilies, TeachersFirst, and PreschoolFirst web sites as well as other educational technology initiatives to promote effective use of technology as a tool for teaching and learning. Our activities are designed to bring good resources to as many students as possible, around the world.

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