Reading is critical for children to be successful in school, but very easy to fall behind in during summer. Like any other skill, reading requires practice. With school starting soon, it\u2019s easy for children to fall out of practice.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n
During the school year, children are practicing reading every day, several times a day. \u00a0This means that maintaining their reading skills is going to require consistent and intentional work. \u00a0If your child isn\u2019t an avid reader, it can take some creative strategies to encourage them to read during summer.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n
Convincing your kids to read when school is far from their mind can definitely be a challenge.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n
Here are some tips and ideas for keeping kids on track in their reading skills on track over the summer:<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n
1.Check out some new Reading Apps<\/a><\/strong>: There are tons of reading apps out there, ranging from interactive stories to word games. \u00a0If your child is an avid reader, then a library style app is key for your kids. It\u2019s also great for early readers who love to read and explore new books because you will have an entire library at your fingertips. \u00a0For children who don\u2019t love to read, there are reading apps that function more like games and puzzles. Check out our post on Reading Apps to Download For Your Kids This Summer!<\/a><\/em><\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n 2. Story writing<\/strong>: \u00a0Writing is reading and reading is writing. By creating and editing a story, a child is actively evaluating what they are reading. Getting your kids writing over the summer will help maintain their reading skills – and encourage creative and inventive thinking.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n Come up with a unique topic for your kid to write a story about each week. Stories don\u2019t need to be long – you can set the parameters as to what makes sense for your child\u2019s level. \u00a0Develop an incentive that will motivate them to do it – extra time playing video games, a sleepover, a movie they want to see, or extra allowance. \u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n For younger kids, write a story together or as a family activity. You can have the children create a book out of paper and illustrate each page. They can add it to the home library as a fun way to celebrate their accomplishment!<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n 3. Make the library a habit<\/strong>: \u00a0Schedule a weekly Library visit. Have your child bring a friend. \u00a0Look into activities happening at the local library to see if they would appeal to your child. Have your kid pick out at least one new book each visit.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n If your child needs some guidance, talk about a topic in advance to explore. The library is also a pretty relaxing place to go, so camp out in the children\u2019s book corner for a bit and take advantage of the quiet.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n 4. Schedule a \u201cReading Time\u201d<\/strong>: If your child is learning to read, then read together. If your child is an independent reader, than create a scheduled reading time a few days a week. \u00a0Schedule out a 20 minute quiet time. Make some cookies or a fun snack (Check out our blog for snack ideas!<\/a><\/em>)<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n Create a reading nook, or go outside and find a relaxing spot to sit. If you need indoor or outdoor reading nook ideas, check out the Hugglepod Hanging Tree Tent<\/a> or Hugglepod Lite<\/a>. They’re fun and perfect for an indoor or outdoor reading nook!<\/p>\r\n<\/div>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n