How to Encourage Summer Reading
Children tend to think of summer as “school-free zone.” But because of their break from education, this can put students at a risk for the “summer slide,” or losing some of the academic progress they made over the previous year. One way to limit that is to encourage more reading over the summer. Take a look at these ideas to help make reading exciting for your child!
Road Trip Reads
Avoid the wear on your phone batteries and data plans by encouraging your child to read a book on summer trips. Make reading something special! Consider taking her on a trip to a bookstore, telling her you’ll buy her a certain amount of books as long as you approve her choices. She’ll feel like it’s Christmas morning! It can be much easier to get your child excited about reading when he or she can choose their own books.
Check Out the Library
Local libraries often plan for a variety of summer events! The Osceola Library’s online website has a calendar packed with fun options. They offer weekly classes such as “Baby & Me,” “E.S.O.L Beginner,” “Great Beginner’s Storytime,” and “Let us Entertain You,” where you and your child can learn from different guest speakers.They also offer programs that encourage math and science skills. For your child who dreams of becoming an engineer, check out “Tweens ROCK the Library! Think Like an Engineer” and “Imagine, Create, K’nex.” Make sure you check out their special events as well, such as the summer reading club event, “Masquerade: Escape the Phantom of the Opera.”
Use Bookstore Money as a Reward
After your child has become hooked on his favorite new author or series, it will be easy to motivate him by offering bookstore money as a reward for finishing summer homework or doing extra chores. He will be thrilled to take a shopping trip where he gets to pick out new books! This is also a great bonding opportunity. While you’re out together, stop for lunch or a smoothie, and talk to him about the last book he read, making sure to really listen and ask questions about the plot and his favorite characters. If it’s a series, ask what he thinks will happen next!
Kissimmee private schools proclaim the Gospel message within an academic environment of excellence that challenges students to be creative and critical thinkers. To learn more about what makes us different, contact us at 407-246-4800.