Summer Reading Tips

Moms and dads, I know that these last few months have been incredibly challenging. In just a blink, life as we knew it completely changed. No more going to the gym to relieve some stress, or even taking a walk alone for that matter. Suddenly we became teachers on top of all of our other responsibilities. Taking a Zoom call for work when your kids are fighting in another room is not fun. Trying to teach your 8-year-old how to make a presentation in Google slides wasn’t fun, either. But you know what? We did it, right? Our kids survived, their grades survived, we survived! The house might never be the same but, hey, you can’t have everything.

One thing that was eye-opening for me was seeing exactly where my kids thrived and where they struggled with their schoolwork. Through trial and error, I learned who is a better listener and who needs to physically see something to understand it. Of course, it’s obvious looking at their report cards that my kids worked hard for their grades, but seeing it first-hand really made me understand how mentally challenging some things could be and how much pride they take in the things they accomplish on a daily basis. I might have missed a conference call or two, but being able to play a significant role in their education was so worth it.

Summer is meant for lazy days on the beach, late nights watching the fireworks, and always too much ice cream. This summer, more than ever, it is important to make sure your kids don’t experience that summer slide. Summer slide is where kids tend to forget what they have learned and need to catch up again when September starts. It doesn’t have to happen, and as a parent you can take measures to ensure that even if there is some slide, it’s minimal. If nothing else, make sure your kids are reading. Whether you are at home, in the car, or better yet, visiting the library, make sure your kids read every chance they get. Here are some ideas to help incorporate reading into each and every day.

Put it on the schedule

It is easier to incorporate reading into each day if you pick a consistent time for when your child reads. We like to read before bed. It helps calm down our crazy days and it’s something we can do together, or they can do alone. You choose whatever works best for you. Maybe it’s first thing in the morning or something you do right after lunch. Choose a time that works and stick with it.

Keep a variety of things to choose from

One thing a teacher once told me that really stuck was that it does not matter what your kids are reading, as long as they are reading. If your child likes graphic novels rather than long paragraphs, that’s OK! Invest in some child-friendly magazines if that is more their speed. For children who need some extra guidance, there are plenty of apps you can download where kids can read and be interactive at the same time. Two of our favorites are Reading Eggs and Epic! Another idea is word puzzles. From word searches to crosswords, these types of games help with reading and spelling.

Read out loud

This one is especially important. Kids who read out loud and kids who hear someone reading to them are more likely to learn when to emphasize words, when to change their tone of voice, and this helps tremendously with pronunciation. If a child never hears a word read out loud, how will they ever know they are pronouncing it correctly? One thing we like to do is take turns. I read a page and then they read a page. If it’s clear that the story has different characters, we can assign each person a part, like in a play. Whatever makes it fun!

Pick interesting topics

One of my kids was an avid reader from the start. She will read anything you put in her hands. Another one of my children is not a fan of reading. It is extremely hard to find a book that holds her interest enough to finish it. The number of books in the world is astonishing. Find a topic that works for them. Whether a book is funny, sad, goofy or scary isn’t the point. The point is that they are reading. I should mention here that they don’t always have to be reading chapter books. My daughter loves arts and crafts. I found a book where she can read the directions on how to create hundreds of crafts. She loves it!

Find a summer reading program

Most libraries have reading programs for kids. Activities are scheduled within a certain time frame and there are incentives for the kids who complete tasks on time. Typically, there are special activities scheduled throughout the summer as well. Unfortunately, this summer is a little different. At the time we went to press everything was still being held in a virtual format. However, kids can still join a reading club, listen to online readers and participate in various programs. Ask your library for a list of recommended books for kids of all ages. This will help make sure your child is reading at the right level.

Make it fun

Don’t ever use reading as a punishment or a chore. That won’t help instill a love of reading in your child. Instead, make it fun. Read the same book they are reading so you can talk about it together. Go on a road trip and do something or see something referenced in the book. If there is a movie made from the book, watch it together and compare and contrast the book versus the movie.

Set a good example

I know, I know, sometimes easier said than done. Do as I say, not as I do, right? Children who see their parents reading are more likely to pick up a book than children who only see their parents playing on their phone. I try to pick up a book as often as I can. I make it a point to tell them about a book I’m reading and sound excited about it as I talk. I reference books I have read when we go places and do things. The more you bring books into your children’s lives, the more likely they will become avid readers themselves.

Create a special place

To help your child become excited about reading, create a special spot for them to read. Maybe it’s a specific chair or a bean bag. If you’re lucky enough to have a window seat, that is a good spot. My son loves to build forts. There are never enough cushions and blankets in this house. Forts are great spots to read and make it super fun by letting them use a flashlight. The possibilities are endless!

Incorporate writing into the mix

Reading and writing go hand in hand. When you are good at one, you are usually good at the other. Encourage your children to write. Have them make lists for you. Keep a scrapbook of everything you do over the summer and have them fill out the details. Find a pen pal they can communicate with – kids love to get stuff in the mail! Have older kids keep a journal in which they can do everything from write about their day to vent about what’s bothering them, or even write stories of their own.

The kids are depending on us to keep them up to speed this summer. Fortunately, doing that can be fun for both of you when you approach it correctly.