One way to ensure your kids don't experience a loss of learning over the summer break is to READ. Experts say that kids need to read at least 15 to 20 minutes per day in order to maintain their reading skills. Reading is not only entertaining but it also exposes kids to different and new ideas, cultures, language skills, and fresh vocabulary words. It also expands their imagination and creativity! But try telling kids that!
Some kids do need a little motivation to keep on reading… especially when they have already been concentrating on schoolwork during the year. Who wants to do "more" after the school is over!
Here are a few ways you can encourage them to keep up their good reading habits:
Start a book club with your kids' friends or neighbours. Get the parents to chip in to purchase book store gift cards as rewards for kids who read the most books. Have treats for runner-ups. Meet up regularly so kids can discuss or present the books they have read. This will sharpen their comprehension and presentation skills.
Get a library card. The library offers endless resources so visit it regularly. If your kids have favourite authors or collections, reserve the books online to ensure availability.
Create a reward chart or a log for each child, for his or her reading program. Record all the books that are read and reward the kids weekly or every time they finish a book.
Enjoy good books as a family. Read out loud to children of all ages. Involve the kids and them take turns at reading too. Try reading in bed 15 to 20 minutes each day before they go to sleep. It will calm them down as they prepare to wind down for the day.
Make reading fun as much as possible. If they don't enjoy reading novels, try comic books, pictured chapter books, or books that are about a hobby or sport they enjoy. Or get a book that Hollywood transformed into a blockbuster movie! Try to have them alternate between a "serious" book and a "fun" book so reading doesn't become tedious.
Remind your kids of the importance of reading in an amusing way.