Unwrap a Good Book: A Holiday Reading Challenge for ALL! 

By Ms. Constance Leung – MS English Curriculum Lead 

As the holiday season approaches, we're excited to launch a fun, low-pressure Holiday Reading BINGO challenge for our students! The break from school is a perfect time for them to relax, recharge, and rediscover the joy of reading for pleasure. 

Why Reading Still Matters in a Digital World 

For tweens and teens, reading for fun is more than just a way to pass the time; it’s a powerful tool for growth. Consistent reading helps 

  • Boosts Academic Performance: It expands vocabulary, strengthens analytical and critical thinking skills, and improves writing, skills that are essential across all academic subjects, not just English. 

  • Builds Empathy and Understanding: Stories are windows into other lives, cultures, and perspectives. Reading helps teens develop empathy and navigate the complexities of the world around them. 

  • Provides a Healthy Escape: In an age of constant digital stimulation, getting lost in a book is a fantastic, screen-free way to de-stress, reduce anxiety, and engage the imagination. 

How You Can Join the Fun: 

Engaging a teenager with reading can feel different than it was when they were younger. The key is to foster connection, not control. Here are a few simple ideas: 

  • Lead by Example: Let your children see you reading! Whether it's a novel, a magazine, or an audiobook, modeling this behavior is the most powerful endorsement you can give. 

  • Talk About Books (Casually): Ask what they’re reading for their BINGO square. Share what you’re reading. Talk about the movie adaptation of a book you both know. These small conversations normalize reading as a part of everyday life. 

  • Make it a Shared Experience: Consider listening to an audiobook together on a long car ride. Plan a family trip to the library or a local bookstore. You could even fill out your own BINGO card alongside them and share your progress! 

  • Respect Their Choices: The goal is to read, period. Whether they love graphic novels, fantasy epics, or non-fiction, supporting their choices helps build a positive, lifelong relationship with reading. 

The Holiday Reading BINGO Challenge! 

Below is the Holiday Reading BINGO card. The goal is simple: complete a row, column, or diagonal by reading books that fit the categories. For the ambitious reader, filling the entire card is the ultimate challenge! This isn't for a grade, but purely for the enjoyment of exploring new books.