Summer Adventures in Reading
Reading Time: 2 min
As teachers and students start to close out the school year, it's time for parents and caregivers to create a plan that keeps children engaged in reading throughout the summer months. Out of all of the activities that summer break offers, reading is the most impactful. It helps maintain reading levels, comprehension and fluency skills gained during the previous school year. For younger children, reading can even advance language skills and start building the foundation for a lifelong love of reading.
Incorporating reading into a childs summer plan is a great way to learn about new subjects and become immersed in a world of wonder and fantasy. Some educators encourage a summer “passion project” which involves research on a single idea to discover new facts and information about the subject. For a more adventurous experience, parents and caregivers can visit places that align with the project. Destinations could be some place near, like the local zoo or nature center; or far, like the ocean or national forest. Wherever you go - the goal is to have fun!
Creating goals for summer reading is another great way to keep kids engaged during the long break. The Association of Library Services to Children (ALSC) offers summer reading lists for grades K-8 created by children’s librarians as a free resource to all public libraries. ALSC reading lists are created by children’s librarians as a resource to share with children and families. Some of the titles may be available in ebook, audio book, braille, and large print formats. Parents and caregivers are encouraged to explore this list to find resources that may match or spark their child's interest. Connect with your local library to find out more.
For more reluctant readers, it may be necessary to get creative in your summer planning. Incorporating reading into summer activities might be the trick to enticing a not so excited reader. If a road trip is on the summer agenda, consider offering a variety of books that relate to that journey or destination. If it's a local activity that excites the child, like swimming, hiking or bike riding, find books that enhance the experience. For instance, learning more about famous olympic swimmers, exploring hiking survival books, or bike safety books might be the path to reading this summer.
