Getting your kids to start reading can sometimes be a challenge. Below are 10 tips to get (and keep) your kids reading!
1. Host book swaps. Many families will have books they’re ready to get rid of. Schedule one or several dates throughout the summer where previously loved books can be exchanged for exciting new finds. Each one could even be themed!
2. Find a local summer reading program. They often have games, prizes, or some sort of tangible reward depending on the amount read.
3. Create a summer reading list and resources to give your learner choices. Build custom summer reading lists unique to each learner so learners have their very own collection of exciting summer titles.
4. Think outside the book. All reading counts. Magazines, street signs, billboards, restaurant menus, recipes, grocery lists, age-appropriate blogs, websites and more. Encourage your learner to seize every available opportunity to devour the written word.
5. Encourage social reading. Whether this looks like a handful of friends reading the same book or encouraging/facilitating periodic book club Zoom meetups, learners are more likely to read when they know others are reading too. Having the opportunity to share and discuss what they’re reading is a silver lining!
6. Share in the reading. Pick books you can read together as a family.
7. Go outside! Reading doesn’t have to be at a desk. Children can take their books outside to change up their summer reading environment (examples: a cozy reading fort, a hammock in the yard, an outside reading tent).
8. Dive into a series, and allow for a little role reversal. Let your learner pick the series and read to you before bed.
9. Host a book tasting! Pick a theme (maybe related to other summer activities) and find four or five books to highlight with a short summary (or ones others have read and can tell about) for your learner and friends to pick from.
10. Celebrate any and all reading!