Summer gives children a good
break from the stresses of the academic assignments and tests they face during
the school year.
But it is important to keep
some skills active so that children don’t completely lose the drive to learn
and to read.
Studies show that children who
read during the summer make gains in their reading skills. Those who do not
read over the summer can experience learning losses.
Here are some ways to keep your
child learning and reading throughout the extended break from the classroom.
First, have plenty of reading
material around your home.
Storybooks aren’t the only
thing that young people can read for fun. Be sure to have newspapers,
magazines, and informational material on hand that might spark the interest of
a young reader.
Continue to read aloud with
children. Take them to see a local storyteller — or be one yourself. Don’t
forget to improvise different voices or wear a silly hat to make the story that
much more interesting.
What’s important is to keep the
reading skills active.
It’s also critical to reinforce
for young people the idea that reading can be fun and exciting. It can cure
boredom and expand the mind. It can provide great adventures and help them meet
really interesting people.
And it’s a great way to spend
your time.
