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.
