Radio Commentary
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 help 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.
