Summertime is in full swing for everyone here in Minnesota and my family’s focus has been on sunshine and water. Although it is already the beginning of July, summer is also a great time to continue to support a student’s academic skills. Doing this in a fun way can make it more enjoyable (read: more likely for your child to keep doing it) and feel like less work (read: easier for you), which is a win-win for everyone. This blog post will focus on easy ways to encourage your student to read over the summer. Hopefully these tips can be added into your summer plans without too much work and a big benefit!
Create a dedicated reading space. This could be a corner of the living room with pillows, a blanket fort in the basement, or a bean bag chair in your child’s bedroom. Having a space that is always available can encourage students to seek it out.
Regularly visit your local library. Regular trips to the library allow your child direct access to a variety of books right at their fingertips. Librarians are amazing resources for book recommendations. In addition, many libraries have summer reading programs with incentives for reading books.
Family Fun Twin Cities has a list of county libraries in Minnesota and their summer programs. Students can earn books and other prizes for reading and creating a review of the book. Many programs continue through the beginning of August.
Barnes and Noble also has a summer reading program for students in first through sixth grade. Students who read eight books and write about their favorite part earn a free book (from a list of provided options).
Establish a reading routine. Just like during the school year, a routine can help kids and adults get into the habit of reading. This could be in the morning while others are waking up, after lunch, before bedtime, or in the car on the way to the cabin. The possibilities are endless. Having everyone in the family participate can also increase the fun, model positive reading habits, and encourage discussions about what others are reading.
Give them the choice. Allow your child to choose books that they are interested in. This might include fiction, non-fiction, graphic novels, books on tape, audiobooks, or magazines. The key is to let them explore what they find interesting.
Add in reading where you can. Find ways to incorporate reading into other activities that you are completing. Waiting for a sibling to finish sports practice, read a book. If that does not pique your student’s interest, you could always use that time to ask them about what they’re reading or what they would like to read.
Start or join a book club. If your child enjoys interacting with friends or neighbors, consider starting a summer book club. This can provide motivation around reading and build a sense of community. Your child will also be exposed to books that others have read and liked.
Above all, reading for fun should be enjoyable, especially in the summertime.
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