Get Your Child to Read Over Summer

As I'm planning out a summer vacation chock full of camps and family trips, I realize I need to incorporate learning time for my daughter. School gets out mid-June for us, starts up again around the first week of September. That's an awfully long haul between focused education. So, to counter that, we are setting up our own family reading program which will be incentive based (of course!)

Many Public Libraries offer summer reading programs that can incentivize your children to read. Some programs offered registered 'readers' chances to win tickets, prizes and books as incentives to read books over the summer break. However, with the major library cutbacks that seem to be affecting everyone nationwide, I thought I'd mention it..but I can't promise you have one in your area. Sorry.

Therefore, we have constructed our own program. First, have your child make a 'wish list'. It should be the full-spectrum, from a Trip to the Moon to a new squishie eraser. In making a list, it gives kids a chance to prioritize what is important and attainable to them. Next, review the list with your child and select 1 to 3 items that are affordable and realistic for your budget. The next step is to make up a reading list for summer, and award prizes for completing a certain number of books.

Most children will often forget about the prizes are they get lost in the books, and just enjoy reading as an activity. After a hard day of play or camp, offer your child a snack outside, and a comfy chair to sit in. One of my most favorite activities as a child was to sit in the backyard and listen to birds, and listen to the wind rustle through the trees as I read a magazine or book.

Spread the joy of reading with your kids – it's easy and fun!