Learner of the Future - 5 Books to Read this Summer

Hand selected and inspiring books for 10 year old's

For the past decades or so, reading, writing, and mathematics (arithmetic), referred to as the 3R’s, have taken a back seat. The basic skills or building blocks that underpin learning have been often equated with traditional school setting where knowing is defined as the ability to read, write, and solve math problems. In understanding the 3R’s, one has to remember that these skills were products of a specific historical context or certain education periods where the definition of being a learned man or a knowledgeable person was shaped by the priorities and demands of the times.

Technology has today revolutionized and completely changing the way learning happens. Information is now easier to access. Learners can now learn from the Internet and connect with knowledge experts from different parts of the world. Technology innovations are accelerating exponentially, causing fundamental effects to the world.

The 3Rs, however, should be seen as enabling skills or building block skills that help learners in engaging in deeper and more complex understanding of the world, analyzing and solving real-life problems. Teaching students to read, write, and solve ensures that all students, especially the young ones, are given the stepping stones to climb up the complexities of deeper learning and making meaning of the world.

Today, I focus my blog on one of the important ‘R’ – the basic skill of READING!!

There is no better companion than a good book. Good books can inform you, enlighten you and lead you in the right direction. There is no better way to improve English quotient than reading books from very early age. As a teacher, I have always pointed out that voracious readers become better at English Literature, Grammar and Vocabulary. They become very good at expressing themselves and also in their public speaking and writing skills at later stages of life. I would strongly recommend to inculcate this habit into your kids from very early age (5 years of age or earlier).

Summer vacations are here. This is a great time to indulge in your hobbies and passion. If your interest is in reading, then you are at the right place. I have hand chosen some books, which I have gifted to my students over time. They have loved every bit of it, and I hope you would love them too!!

Here are my 5 suggestions for interested readers of age 10 years and above.

ESPERANZA RISING

This is an amazing book is written by Pam Muñoz Ryan, an American author. She has written many books which you can check here. This book narrates the journey of a girl from a plush life to a difficult life. It is a beautiful narration of how she resists, then slowly embraces the struggle and faces the new reality. This is a very good read for all kids to have a feel of how life can change and how nothing is permanent in this world. Esperanza Ortega possesses all the treasures a girl could want: dresses; a home filled with servants in Mexico; and the promise of one day presiding over El Rancho de las Rosas. A tragedy shatters that dream, forcing Esperanza and her mother to flee to Arvin, California and settle in a farm camp. There, they confront the challenges of work, acceptance, and economic difficulties brought on by the Great Depression.

THE BUTTERFLY LION

This is a very cute and adventurous story by Michael Morpurgo. He is a great author with many children’s books and many awards to his list. This is a great book about the friendship between a human child and a lion cub. Starting from the time they met, it narrates the extraordinary journey all the way. Bertie rescues an orphaned white lion cub from the African wild. They are inseparable until Bertie is sent to boarding school far away in England and the lion is sold to a circus. Bertie swears that one day they will see each other again, but it is the butterfly lion which ensures that their friendship will never be forgotten.

WHERE THE RED FERN GROWS

This is an excellent book written by Wilson Rawls. This book has been praised a lot and has won multiple awards. It tells a story about the friendship between a boy and his two dogs. How they go through different adventures, learn from pain, and he overcomes each situation with persistence. Billy has long dreamt of owning not one, but two dogs. When he’s finally able to save up enough money for two pups to call his own—Old Dan and Little Ann—he’s ecstatic. It doesn’t matter if times are tough; together they roam around the hills of the Ozarks. Soon Billy and his hounds become the finest hunting team in the valley. Stories of their great achievements spread throughout the region, and the combination of Old Dan’s brawn, Little Ann’s brains, and Billy’s sheer seems unbeatable. But tragedy awaits these determined hunters (now friends) and Billy learns that hope can grow out of despair, and that the seeds of the future can come from the scars of the past.

THE GIRL WHO DRANK THE MOON

This is a different kind of book than the rest in this list. I have added little fantasy here, but yet very exciting and would add that little spice to your read. This is written by Kelly Barnhill. It became an instant hit and went on to become New York Best seller. This has it all – a witch (good or bad, you decide!!), magic, fun and adventure. You must explore this book!! As Luna's thirteenth birthday approaches, her magic begins to emerge - with dangerous consequences. Meanwhile, a young man from the Protectorate is determined to free his people by killing the witch. Deadly birds with uncertain intentions flock nearby. A volcano, quiet for centuries, rumbles just beneath the earth's surface. And the woman with the Tiger's heart is on the prowl . . .

BRIDGE TO TERABITHIA

Bridge to Terabithia is an unforgettable story of friendship and loss by award-winning author Katherine Paterson. This has become a motion picture now. How two kids go for adventure rides, plot, plan, face various challenges and go through ups and downs makes up this book. It’s a great read for kids attracted to characters and its literature narration is excellent. They are invincible - until tragedy strikes. It is more dreadful than anything Jess had ever dreamed of, but as he struggles to cope with his grief and anger, he finds that his family value him more than he'd thought and that, still King, he could even save Terabithia for the future.

So, my little friends, go grab these books, and indulge into these characters and get inspired from the life they lived. I am sure you will enjoy the combination of books suggested here. Happy Reading!!

In conclusion, I would like to state that the 3Rs should no longer be used as just 3Rs. We need to transition from these skills so that they are fully integrated into the larger vision of the 4Cs (critical-thinking, collaboration, creativity, and communication) of the 21st Century Learning. For example, reading enables someone to comprehend problems, hence becoming a stepping stone towards critical thinking. We also need to add Digital Literacy as the 4th pillar of Literacy. Yes, today’s students are growing up in a digital world, but that doesn’t mean they know how to effectively use digital technology to enhance their traditional skills.

The concept of Digital Literacy includes not only the competencies relevant for the working world, but also all the skills that make it possible to participate in a society shaped by digital media, technologies and processes. Digital literacy is as fundamental for success as reading, writing and arithmetic. It is our responsibility to offer these skills for the young age students!!

At Sparkyo, we are fully committed to the idea that every student needs to develop these 4 major skills, from very early childhood – Reading, Writing, Arithmetic and Digital Literacy.

We offer an integrated course called SPARK+, which integrates Math, Science, Digital and 21st Century Skills, from early childhood.

Please leave your comments after reading sharing your feedback on these great books I thoroughly enjoyed reading myself!!