Reading is fun. Especially in the summer!

Keeping reading fun for kids through the summer  can be a challenge, but kids have a chance to do more leisure reading in the summer and you can take advantage of this.  They can read just for the fun of it and on any topic they choose!

Try making a weekly trip to the library together and let your child pick out books.  They may have interest in books that are too difficult for them to read on their own, but their interest can be a big motivator.  Try reading these books together.  Share the task and talk about the book together to ensure that they are understanding the content.  They also may pick books that are very easy for them.  This is not all bad.  Such books may give them confidence in their reading abilities.  Is there a younger child that they could share the book with?  

Even if your child is not reading yet, picking out their own books can be fun.  You can always sort out anything you might think is inappropriate before actually checking them out.  For many kids this is like going into a candy store and they can pick out whatever candy they want.  Yes, they do need some oversight!  

While you’re at the library pick out some books to read with your child at bedtime!  Don't forget that chapter books are great at bedtime for older children.  Read one or two chapters each night.  This is a good opportunity for the child to “re-cap” what has happened previously in the story before beginning each night.  Bedtime reading is great at any age.  We all want to know what’s going to happen next. I love being read to at nighttime and I’m not so young!  Is it bedtime yet??