Tips to Encourage Your Child to Read This Summer

Summer is the perfect opportunity for your child to do some reading so they can practice their skills, and maybe even learn about a new topic.  During the summer, your child can read about any topic that interests them, whether it is baseball, far away places, magic, or astronauts in outer space.  Here are 6 practical tips to encourage your child to read this summer.

1. Find Topics of Interest to Your Child

Ask your child what topics or genres interest them. Letting children choose the topic of their reading material can be very motivating to them. Visiting a local library, or book store can give your child some inspiration.  Librarians and book sellers can give great reading suggestions. 

2. Look For a Comfortable Reading Level

If you are not sure, ask your child’s teacher about their current reading level.  This can help guide their book choice.  It is ok to choose a book that is at an easier level to develop fluency, especially in the summer.  If your child is interested in a very challenging book, it could become a summer family read-aloud with you or an older sibling.  

3. Be Open to Different Forms of Reading

Remember that reading takes many forms.  Reading can include chapter books, picture books (at the younger levels), graphic novels, audiobooks, online research, and magazines. A mix of all of these can be fun and motivating! 

4. Make Places for Reading 

Consider creating a corner of your child’s bedroom or living room with pillows and a cozy blanket.  Or maybe allow your child to read in bed in the evening with a booklight or flashlight.  This can really work for older children, especially during the summer when bedtimes can be more flexible!

Or, alternatively, consider packing books when leaving the house.  It can be really fun to read at a park, the beach, or somewhere else new and interesting.

5. Make Time for Reading

Have a set time that is for reading.  This could be at a specific time of day or times on certain days of the week. It could be in the evenings, maybe before bedtime, as part of an evening routine.   Whatever works best for your family.

6. Consider Reading as a Family

Consider setting up times to read as a family.  You can provide a reading role model. This can help to establish a culture of reading in your family.  You can include a fun snack to munch on while you all read.  Depending on the ages of your children, everyone could read their own book, or you can all read a book together. Family reading time can create some fun, strong memories for your family!

Key Takeaway for Parents

Summer reading can be very beneficial to your child so they keep their skills fresh and ready for the fall.  With a great book, your child can explore a different time, a place they have never been, or learn about a new topic.  Summer reading can expand your child’s world. Have a great summer making reading memories! 

Written by Eldeva Tofte, SFL Clinician, CALT