It’s officially summer, and that means time for summer fun! While it’s tempting to load your child’s schedule with summer camps, travel, and other activities, it is essential to keep reading a part of summer plans. Children that don’t read during the summer typically regress backward, and their reading levels may decline. Not sure how? Here are a few tips to make reading part of summer fun.
Visit your local library: Many libraries offer summer reading programs. Check your local library’s calendar for events and summer reading times. The library is a great place to get books; it’s also a great way to cool off during those hot summer days.
Take a time out – Instead of letting children watch tv all day or play video games, set aside time during the day to read. An easy way to encourage reading is to allow children to earn screen time. For every 30 minutes they spend reading; they can earn 30 minutes of electronic time. Before long, they will look forward to their reading time and will want to spend more time reading than on electronics.
Lead by example: Make reading a part of your daily routine. Typically, our children want to do what we do. So, if your children see that you enjoy reading, they will also like to read. Also, keep reading material around the house.
Read the same books: Read the same books as your children and have discussions about them once you’re both done. You will both enjoy talking about what you read. Additionally, talking about books helps develop your child’s language skills.
Make summer reading fun – turn summer reading into a competition. Once your child reads a book, let them earn a reward. Creating positive reinforcement such as this encourages them to finish books.
Reading every day, even if for a short time, will help improve your child’s ability to read and learn all year long!
