Here are some tips for keeping your children engaged in books all summer long:
- Be a model. Children who observe their parents reading become eager readers themselves. Discuss the stories you like and why like them.
- Use the library. Make sure your children have a library card and check your public library for summer reading programs and clubs.
- Link books to summer activities. If you are going to a baseball game, suggest your child read a story about baseball. Planning a camping trip? Ask your child to read about the area you are going to visit.
- Pair books with movies. Read the book, pop the popcorn and watch the related film as a family. When watching the TV, turn on the closed caption option and enjoy reading with your children.
- Match your child’s interests with a nonfiction book. Nonfiction books provide information and can give a child the desire to try new things for themselves.
- Give kids time to read. Summer is a time for many activities, indoor and outdoor. Kids can be kept busy so set aside time for reading. Bring a book to the beach or on car trips.
- Provide variety. Let children choose their own books (supervised by parents). Ninety-one percent of children say they are more likely to finish a book that they choose themselves.
- Encourage children to read aloud. Children can read to grandparents or younger siblings. Turn down the lights and read aloud as a family. “once upon a time…” has everyone captivated.
Summer reading loss can easily be prevented. Reading as few as six books over the summer will help children maintain reading levels. The more children read the better readers they become.
At the Tender Nest, reading is a central part of our program. At least two books are read every day and we encourage a “Book Day” each week.
