For children of all ages, summertime usually means a long vacation from schoolwork. While this is true, summer doesn’t (and shouldn’t) mean the end of learning!
At Reading Partners, we know that summer reading is crucial for children’s academic growth. Reading is a universal skill and continuous habit that guides us through our daily lives. The summer break from school should not be an exception to that habit, but a time to experience reading in new and exciting ways!
We’ve pulled together six tips for parents and caregivers to encourage reading this summer, especially for those young learners still growing into lifelong readers.
1. Reading Adventure Map
Design a map with reading goals and milestones. Each destination represents a book or a set reading time. Turn the map into a treasure hunt where each completed goal leads to a reward or a clue for the next part of the adventure.
2. Reading Picnic
Pack a picnic and head to a local park with a blanket, snacks, and a variety of books. Enjoy reading sessions in the fresh air and invite your child’s friends for group storytime to make it more social and enjoyable.
3. Book-themed Arts and Crafts
After finishing a book, create a related craft project with your child. If the book is about animals, create animal masks or build clay figures for a mini zoo. This helps kids express their understanding of the story and keeps the reading experience alive through hands-on activities.
4. Storytelling Campfire
Have a family campfire night, even if it’s just pretend in the living room. Take turns reading short stories aloud or making up stories. Combine this with traditional campfire activities like roasting marshmallows for a memorable experience.
5. Book Swap Playdates
Organize playdates where your child can swap books with friends. Include time for reading and discussing the books together, or even create a new game based on characters in one of the books. This encourages social interaction and exposes kids to new books recommended by their peers.
6. Summer Programs
Many libraries, nonprofits, and even local businesses offer summer reading programs with activities, reading challenges, and prizes. Sign up for these programs to keep kids engaged and excited about reading.
Research has shown that summer reading is critical to a child’s ability to retain information and develop new knowledge and critical thinking skills. Parents can play a crucial role in preventing the “Summer Slide,” the loss of knowledge gained during the school year. This “slide” often occurs during the summer break. It’s up to us to close the gap and make reading a fun and integral part of summer activities!
To support your child’s literacy journey and help other children gain access to reading resources, visit Reading Partners at www.readingpartners.org. Together, we can ensure all children have the literacy opportunities and resources to reach their full potential.
