Sunday, May 31, 2015

How to Get your Kids to Read More this Summer (and Actually Enjoy It)


As a credentialed teacher, I love books (I better right?). I also know that reading can help kids with fluency, writing, vocabulary development, creativity, and so much more. During the year and especially during the summer, I want my kids to have fun learning. After all, who wants to have to force their children to read? Here are some tips to get your kids to read more this summer.

Make a Summer Learning Pack

If your child has expressed interest in a certain book or series, you can make them a summer learning pack. Simply pick up a few books and some other items that tie into the theme. For instance, if your child likes science, you can get them a book about science experiments and an experiment kit. If they are into the ‘Magic Treehouse' Series, you might add in some binoculars with a few of the books. To make things even more fun, add in a journal, activity book, or a movie connected to the book. 

Summer Reading Challenge

A summer reading challenge is a fun way to inspire daily reading. Barnes and Noble has a program where the child records eight books they read in a reading journal. After completing and turning in the journal, kids will receive a free book from a selected list. Scholastic.com has a summer reading challenge where students log minutes to receive virtual badges and enter to win prizes. Chuck E Cheese fans can download a reading sheet. If kids read and check off their sheet for two weeks, they can bring in the reading sheet for 10 free tokens. Finally, those in the Pennsylvania area can take advantage of Metro Bank’s $10 for reading 10 books challenge. TD Bank has a similar challenge. Of course, most local libraries should have a summer reading program too. 

Tweet this: A few tips to encourage your kids to #read this summer: http://ctt.ec/6q2dI

Connect Books with Movies and More

Last summer my daughter and I read Because of Winn Dixie. When we finished, we watched the movie. There are so many great books that were made into movies. Some of my favorites include:
  • The Lorax by Dr. Seuss
  • Horton Hears a Who by Dr. Seuss
  • Because of Winn Dixie by Kate DiCamillo
  • Charlotte’s Web by E.B. White
  • The Lion the Witch and the Wardrobe by C.S. Lewis
  • Jumanji  by Chris Van Allsburg
  • Mrs. Frisby and the Rats of NIMH Robert C. O'Brien
If you ever want to check about the age-appropriateness of a movie you can go to commonsensemedia.org

Along with movies, you can also make crafts and treats associated with the books. Green eggs and ham, anyone?  

If you need a reading log to help your kids record their reading, I made a printable just for you:


What do you do to encourage your kids to read during the summer? 


Don't Forget to Vote!  One click = one vote and that's it!  Thanks in advance!

Vote for me @ Top Mommy Blogs - Mom Blog Directory

No comments :

Post a Comment