There's something special about kicking back in a hammock or on the beach with a good book. Yet kids haven't quite learned the luxury of slowing down in most instances.
Depending on how much your child likes reading to begin with, getting them to take in a good read over the summer can be a challenge. What many kids don't realize is that summer reading can be fun and exciting. It's all about the right books, the right environment, and sometimes the right reading buddy.
Check out these ideas that bring a little something extra to the summer reading experience, whether it's for fun or it's prep for back-to-school in the fall.
Pick a Variety of Reading Materials
Take a visit to the bookstore or library and let your kid lead the way. Make sure to get anything required for school, but also make plenty of room for the things they're interested in. All reading doesn't have to be text-only. Encourage them to look at magazines, graphic novels, comics, and more.
Create Customized Book Nooks
Depending on how much space you have, you can work with your child on making a family book nook or allow them to make one of their own. The idea is a perfect, cozy, distraction-free spot they can go to when they're in the mood to read. Include anything that makes the space appealing, and let the reading happen.
Find a Fun Way To Keep Track of Reads
Some schools may require kids to read certain books or log what books they read. Find a fun way to keep track for yourself. You can do it on a shared chalkboard or dry-erase board, or create your own special charts that live in a shared space. Kids will be proud to show off their progress.
Join the Fun
Pick up some summer reads for yourself. You can build a good habit and set a good example all at once. Kids are less likely to feel like time reading is time missed doing something else if that's what those around them are also doing.
Allow Time for Reading Together
Whether you're actually reading along with a younger child or just reading at the same time as an older kid, your participation makes a big difference. It doesn't have to be a parent, either. Older siblings can help out younger ones.
Read Some of Their Books
You'll be able to talk to your kids about what they're reading better if you read through it yourself! You can also recommend some of your childhood favorites and see if your kids feel the same way about them. Talking about these reads will challenge your kids to pay attention and remember the things they're reading.
Check Out Local Reading Challenges
Your school, library, town, or local businesses may offer some incentives to summer readers. Check out what's out there so you can add to the goals for your kids to reach.
Bring Parts of the Book to Life
A read can be even more fun if you attach an experience to it. Have you ever made green eggs and ham while reading the book with your kids? Making treats, visiting locations, and engaging in other creative ideas can bring these stories to life in an all-new way.
Allow a Special Reading Snack
Some people like a little something to nibble on when they dive into a good book. Assigning a special treat to reading time and making that the only time it's allowed adds more special meaning to time spent reading.
Get Into Gifting Books
Start a tradition of gifting people you love with a book and allow your kids to help choose. They'll start hoping for some books back and end up with some new reads of their own, but it's also fun to see what they choose for certain people.
