It’s that time of year again. I’ve started to see the inevitable post pop up on social media. Which post? “Moms, how do you get your kids to do their summer reading?” or “Fellow moms, do you know of any great summer reading programs for the kids?” So, I thought I’d share some ideas for how to have a page-turning summer!
Explore!
Are you planning to take a trip? Use that opportunity! Kids will enjoy finding books at the library about the things they will see on the trip. Maybe they can read about the animals they’ll see at the zoo, the planes they’ll see at the air museum, or the rock formations they’ll see at the Grand Canyon. Then they’ll have tons to talk about on the trip. “Mommy, did you know giraffes have black tongues?” Non-fiction doesn’t mean non-fun!
Watch it!
My children enjoy watching movie adaptations of books. So, I encourage them to read the book, then watch the movie. You could set a date to watch the movie as a family, allowing enough time for the kids to read it individually or as a read aloud together. Maybe your kids will find the discrepancies between the books and adaptations, just like mine do!
Recommendations, anyone?
I’m sure you’ve recommended books to your kids. I mean, it’s part of our job as parents/teachers, right? But, have you asked your kids for recommendations? Ask your children if they’d like to recommend a book to you and you can recommend one to them. Or choose a book for each other at the library. Your kids will appreciate your interest in what they’re reading and it will fuel some great conversations.
How ’bout a Challenge?
Perhaps you’ve already come across reading bingo in your summer reading searches online. Or you’ve found lists of genre challenges for kids. Libraries will often incorporate them into summer reading programs. It’s also easy for children to create their own. This allows them to take ownership of what they read. Here are some challenges you can help your children create, with some ideas to get started:
Different types/genres of books:
Mystery, biography, graphic novel, a specific animal, a Newbery winner, a Caldecott winner, historical fiction, nonfiction history, science fiction, dystopian, fantasy, a new hobby/how-to, poetry.
Reading locations:
Hammock, tree/treehouse, library, beach, picnic blanket, bed, park, porch, blanket fort.
What are your helpful tips for encouraging kids to read through the summer? Feel free to leave a comment. Happy reading!
Moriah Hamm 