For many families, summer begins with many good intentions. Kids have free time, and parents are dedicated to ensure that time is spent on fun and learning. New books are purchased and learning games are readied.
But, for many families, these good intentions gradually fade as summer goes on and barbecues, vacations and other activities quickly take over free time.
So what can parents do to ensure that children make reading a priority throughout the summer? Check out the follow tips from Scholastic and PBS to fill your summer with books!
1. Visit a library.
Not only will a trip to the library save you some money, but a visit with a librarian can often be a very motivating experience. So many libraries do summer reading programs for all ages, and host puppet shows, movies and even book discussions for children to engage them in the books they are reading.
Take a trip to the library with your students- and check out a few books of your own- and you’ll show your kids that reading is important as an adult, too.
2. Make summer reading a way to connect.
Whether your child is reluctant to read a new book or can’t put it down, try reading the book yourself. Discuss the book on road trips or at the dinner table, and you’ll not only better connect with your child, you’ll encourage them to think and talk about what they’re reading, increasing their engagement.
3. Make a schedule.
It’s too easy to get wrapped up in the fun and parties of summer. There’s always going to be another pool party, barbecue or trip to the beach and park, so important that families schedule time to read each day.
Keep books in the car, and instead of listening to the radio, make a road trip a silent reading time. On the trip back home, discuss what your children read on the way there.
Set bedtimes 20 minutes earlier, and encourage children to read in bed before falling asleep. If you are visiting a beach, bring a book with you to read on the sand. Setting the 20-30 minutes before dinner as reading time is another great option, giving children time to wind down before eating and parents time to make dinner!
4. Help kids find books they love.
While it’s important to encourage kids to read a variety of books from various genres, it’s also important that kids enjoy what they are reading. Dealing with a reluctant reader? Find books that feature their favorite characters, sports or other hobbies.
Do your kids love Frozen? There’s a book for that. Is your son obsessed with baseball and basketball? There’s a book for that. Maybe they love technology and dream of being an engineer or scientist? There’s a book for that!
Whatever your children can imagine for their future, there’s a book that will embrace their interests.
What are you best tips to get kids reading throughout the summer? Share your tips here to help other parents!
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