How to Get (and Keep!) Kids Reading This Summer

What kid doesn’t love summer vacation—almost three months of free time, not having to get up early, and, best of all, no homework!  These relaxed days are great, but they can have a negative impact on kids’ reading skills, which could set them back when they return to school this fall. There’s even a name for it—the “summer slump.”

But don’t worry. There are lots of ways to encourage kids to keep reading through the lazy days of summer.  If it helps, remind them that summer is a great time for them to read what they actually want to read (so comic books and graphic novels are OK!), and not just something assigned by a teacher, with a quiz to follow.  This fact all by itself might encourage them to put down the gaming control and pick up a book. But if they’re not so easily convinced, some of these other ideas might work:

Sign them up for story time or a reading group.  Libraries are a real life saver for parents during the summer. They usually hold several programs all year long, but step up their programming even more during summer break. Take advantage of them. Young kids usually love story time, which often includes a story and some type of story-related craft, and a snack.  Some libraries have book clubs or reading groups for older kids, where their selections can run the gamut from. graphic novels to the latest middle grade or YA release. This is a great way for kids to stay in contact over the summer, meet new friends, and discuss what they liked or didn’t like about a certain book.

Choose a book to read and discuss together. You and your child probably have those few favorite books that you read together over and over again; or, choose one that you can both agree on. Something like The Book Thief, which is technically a young adult novel but easily appeals to adults, or a classic like Charlotte’s Web, 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea, or of course, any of the popular series, like Harry Potter, The Hunger Games, Percy Jackson, or The Princess Diaries, which gives you quite a few books to talk about!

Read together every night. Stories are a staple of most bedtime routines, and one of the most rewarding habits you can develop in your child. Whether it’s a simple book that teaches the basics like counting, colors, or the alphabet, a board book with bright illustrations, or a longer picture book, reading together will quickly become a favorite nighttime activity for both parents and children.

Read the book version of a favorite movie and compare the two. Kids love their movies, and fortunately, some of the most popular releases are based on books.  From the recent versions of Jurassic World and Peter Rabbit to classics like Mary Poppins and Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, or something in between like the Diary of a Wimpy Kid series, ask the helpful staff at your local library for recommendations of films adapted from books to keep your child reading all summer—the time will fly by!

How do you keep kids reading during the summer? We’d love to hear from you in the comments below!