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By MICHELE SAGER The Tampa Tribune

Published: December 22, 2007

TAMPA PALMS - Students will be starting their holiday break from classes this week, but educators say they shouldn't take a break from reading.

Although many students may want to hide the schoolbooks during the next two weeks, teachers want parents to encourage leisurely reading in the home. No matter the age of the person or the holiday celebrated, there are stacks of selections for any reader.

The Florida Department of Education has made it easy to choose books by releasing its annual list of recommended holiday reading.

Bonny Cable, a third-grade teacher at Riverhills Elementary, said getting children to crack books this holiday break is crucial.

"We want them to keep working on their cognitive and comprehension skills," she said. "If a student goes that entire time without reading, it can be like they are starting from square one when they return in January."

But competing with holiday television specials, visiting relatives and new toys can be tough. Cable suggested that families plan for at least 30 minutes of reading time each day.

The department list includes holiday classics for adults. Cable suggested that parents lead the reading revolution by example.

"When a child sees a teacher reading, they think of it as a school activity," she said. "When they see a parent reading, they think of it as a life activity."

Reporter Michele Sager can be reached at (813) 865-4843 or msager@tampatrib.com.

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