Tips to Encourage Summer Reading for Kids
School is almost out, and all things summer are here to enjoy! As summer break begins, it's important for kids to maintain their reading habits. Reading keeps their young minds active during vacation, enhances their vocabulary, boosts their imagination, and develops their comprehension skills.
Here are three simple tips to help you motivate your kiddo to read during the summer break!
Create a Reading Schedule
One of the most effective ways to encourage summer reading is by establishing a reading schedule. This could be a specific time during the day dedicated to reading, like after lunch, before bed, or before afternoon cartoons. A reading schedule helps create a routine that your child can easily follow and look forward to. It's also important to make this a fun activity. Allow your child to choose the books they want to read and create a cozy reading nook where they can relax and enjoy their book. Better yet, join in on the designated reading time!
Use Incentives
Incentives can be a great way to motivate children to read. This doesn't mean buying expensive gifts, but rather simple, meaningful rewards that acknowledge their effort. For instance, for every book they finish, they could get an extra 15 minutes of playtime, choose their favorite meal for dinner, pick out a new book, or earn a small token like a sticker or badge. Use a fun summer-themed reading log to help track their progress!
It's important to remember that the incentives encourage the act of reading and don't become the sole focus.
Engage in Active Reading
Active reading involves discussing the book's content with your child. This could look like having a book club or discussing over dinner or a special treat. Ask open-ended questions about the characters, the plot, or the setting, and encourage your child to share their thoughts and opinions.
It's more beneficial to read the same book as your child or read a book aloud together. This fosters a deeper understanding of the text, enhances critical thinking, and makes reading a more engaging and interactive experience.
Want to go above just asking questions? Encourage book play. Engage with the book and your child by doing hands-on book-related activities like the ones in our book and craft boxes. Not only is it fun, but it also helps engage with the story in a different format.
Encouraging summer reading requires creativity and patience. Parents can cultivate an environment that promotes reading as a fun and rewarding activity by creating a reading schedule, using incentives, and engaging in active reading. Remember, the goal is not to make reading a chore but a habit that encourages creativity and a love for reading.
Happy reading this summer!
love & light,
Jalesa - Owner & Curator or Tyrannosaurus Tot