This article originally appeared in the Spring 2018 edition of Partners:
With the end of the school year in sight, you may be wondering about the best ways to keep your children from spending too much time in front of the television or with their favorite gadget, and with a good book instead. Experts say that without practicing their reading skills through the summer months, children can drop multiple reading levels, so it is important to encourage them to pick up a good book.
Getting Started
Start small to limit pushback and lower the chances of burning out. Try simple things like having younger children read a grocery list or a short quote of the day, and older children read a short story as they wind down later in the day. Making summer reading fun and something your kids look forward to is important. Make a trip to your local bookstore or library to stock your bookshelf with books your children may not have the chance to read during the school year.
Make it a Family Effort
Showing your kids the value of reading starts by spending time reading yourself. Kids will be more encouraged to read if they see their parents reading as well. Reading to your children or having them read to you is also beneficial. Try changing your voice as you read different characters and pausing at the end of sentences to create more excitement.
Incorporate Games and Hobbies
Spice up family game night from classic board games to a book-inspired game of your own. Have your children read a set of books or stories, then create a set of questions based off them. Ask questions that begin with, “In what book did…” or “Which character said…” This game can be just for fun if game nights tend to turn into a family feud, or competition-style for more competitive kiddos.
Get Out in the Community
There are many local opportunities during the summertime for kids to enjoy reading. Signing your younger kids up for reading circles and activities at your public library is a great way to keep them engaged. You can also encourage your older kids and teenagers to form a book club with their friends and meet periodically at a local café or park to discuss what they have been reading.
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