Getting Your Child to Read During Summer Vacation
From the desk of Carol C…
Last weekend I asked several parents what they did to encourage their children to read outside of school, especially during the summer. Some told me their children were always engaged with reading. Others gave me some practical ideas that worked for them. Here are the tips that brought the greatest results.
Going somewhere this summer? The zoo? On a hike? To Europe? Before you leave home have your children read about your destination. Talk about reading for a purpose! Your kids are learning more about the places they will be visiting. They’ll be the experts, and who doesn’t want to be an expert?
One sure way to peak your children’s interest in a book is to introduce them to books you read when you were their age. Just knowing what any member of my family had read made me want to read those books, too. I thought it was cool to read the same books my parents, brothers, and cousins had read. I still love The Hardy Boys, Cherry Ames, Donna Parker…the list goes on. Were these great literature? Absolutely not, but that didn’t matter. They transported me to another world for hours on end.
Take advantage of your public library. Not only will you and your child find lots of books to check out, but you can ask the librarian for suggestions of good books. Better yet have your children ask for books on topics they are interested in. Librarians are wonderful resources. While you’re at the library help your children (or have the librarian) find a series of books they might be interested in. A Series of Unfortunate Events, Percy Jackson, The Hunger Games, The Boxcar Children, could hook your children and not let go until the final book in the series has been read. As a teacher I refuse to read aloud a sequel to a book. Why? If children like the first book, they are likely to pick up and read the next one in the series. Read part or all of the book with your children to build their interest. Then they can finish it or choose another one in the series to read.
One of the oldest, wisest, and most successful way to interest children in reading is to read to them regardless of their age. Think of how many adults enjoy listening to books on tape. Reading to your child is even better. It involves human contact and aids brain development. And best of all? It’s a nice bonding time between you and your child.
So your children want to be a forensic scientist, actor, equestrian, or teacher? They can find books on almost any profession which interests them. I remember reading numerous biographies about people in the medical field as I was going to be the next Clara Barton. The books don’t have to be biographies. They may be pure informational books. And speaking of information, let your children read almanacs, world record books, or really almost any kind of nonfiction text. Some children have a keen interest in learning facts, boys especially. Encourage their interest by promoting these nonfiction texts.
Other sources of interesting nonfiction text are newspapers and magazines. Point out interesting articles. You may want to cut the item out and lay it on the breakfast table. These articles may be about national or local news, sports, interesting people, or just something odd or funny. Children’s magazines usually center on topics which appeal to children. Magazines and newspapers can motivate the most reluctant to pick them up read. Another perk of these periodicals is they are great places to find book reviews. Have your children critique the reviewed books and see if there is one they would like. If so, reserve it at the library or buy it at a book store. Buying a book could be seen as a treat!
With encouragement from you, your children can become more than summer readers. They can become lifelong readers. What a gift to give your children!