Summer is often a time that children think of as a time to relax and not worry about school. While this is true for many, it is still important to think about reading during the summer. Are you wondering how to encourage your children to continue reading in the summer?
One way to help encourage reading in the summer is to sign up for the summer reading program at your local library. Each one is set up a little differently, but they usually include a prize for reading a certain amount of days. Many of these programs do not provide a required amount of time to count the day for reading, but this is something that you could set for them. This program can provide an incentive to help your child continue to read over the summer.
When reading over the summer, unless there is required reading assigned, let children read what they want. If they want to read graphic novels, it may not be what you would have chosen for them, but they are reading. As long as they are continuing to read, this is what is important. If they are enjoying what they read, they will be more willing and excited to read. Over the summer, it is important to have them enjoy reading so that they continue to participate in it.
Are you wondering when to have your child read? The short answer to this is when it works for your child and family. A popular time for reading is right before bed. Children will read prior to going to sleep as a way to wind down and relax before going to sleep. Others may read in the morning when they wake up before starting the rest of their day. This will help to ensure that it does happen during the day. Others may have longer car rides to get to activities and, as long as your child does not get car sick, this could be a time for them to read. Children can also read during the day between activities. The time of day that a child reads is not important, just that they are reading.
If children still do not want to read, try to figure out why they do not want to read and what will motivate them to do so. There may be some who struggle to read and so they do not want to do what is difficult. This is understandable so make sure they have books they can read and will enjoy. If there are other methods that help during the school day if they struggle to read, these may be able to be continued at home. If it is that they think it means they cannot do other enjoyable activities, talk with them about your schedule and help find a time that it fits. Other children do not want to read in the summer because they want a break for the summer. Make sure they are reading books they enjoy and are excited to read. This could mean going to the library for them to help pick out the books.
Summer reading is an activity that can be enjoyed and can provide some time to relax and slow down. Reading over the summer will also help children so that they are keeping up with their reading skills over the summer. If you are still trying to figure out how to encourage your children to read over the summer, feel free to reach out to me or check out my LinkedIn.
