Summer is in full swing. With camp, the beach, playdates, and the great outdoors calling, it can be easy to let good reading habits slip. We're happy to tell you that it's easy to integrate reading and stories into your everyday summer schedule.
Whether you're slipping books into the beach bag or taking advantage of the public library's free air conditioning, there are many ways to make sure your family keeps reading all summer long. Here are our tried and true summer reading tips:
Take Books with You
Toss books in your beach bag, your vacation carry-on, or in the stroller. On hot days at the park, encourage your child to take a minute enjoying some shade with a book of their choice. If you're packing for a vacation, make a big deal out of selecting a special "vacation read" together with your child.
Read Aloud Together
Studies show that children whose parents read aloud to them have a leg up on literacy and reading comprehension. Feel free to read aloud to children of all ages--make silly voices, take turns, stop to answer questions your child might ask. You'll have fun and you'll be increasing your child's vocabulary while cementing a love of reading and stories.
Go to the Library
Local libraries often offer cheap or free children's programming throughout the summer. Hit up a program at your library, or take a break from the summer heat to visit the children's section. If your child is old enough, sign them up for their very own library card. Encourage your child to make their own selections at the library from the varied media available such as books, CDs, DVDs, and games.
Let Kids Choose
Let your children pick out what they want to read. If your school has a summer reading list, make sure to give them some free choice materials as a reward for working through their list. Don't shy away from unconventional reading materials like magazines or graphic novels either.
Set an Example
This one is pretty simple--if your child sees you taking time to read and write (and enjoy it), they'll model that behavior.
Make It Social
Join a summer reading challenge or a children's book group (or start your own). This way you can build playdates and making new friends into your summer reading.
July 1, 2016