Encourage Summer Reading
By Istar Schwager, Ph.D.
(And help kids learn to love reading!)
For the first three years after my son was born, I was too busy, tired, and distracted to read anything that wasn't illustrated! So I was grateful for the children's books that held up even after what seemed like hundreds of repetitions. As my son got older, I kept reading aloud to him. We particularly enjoyed series books—Mary Poppins, The Wizard of Oz, and The Great Brain. Even though he went through a phase of reading only Archie comics, my son is now an avid reader.
Reading for pleasure is an acquired taste. Some kids discover early on the pleasures of getting lost in a good book. Other children take a while to discover their reading niche. Does your child enjoy humor or mysteries? Is he transported by fantasy or adventure? How about sports heroes? Is she enthralled by science fiction or nonfiction?
During the school year, kids are typically required to read assigned books. But during the summer they are free to explore. Here are some ways to help your kids discover what they love to read.
Go to the local library. While you're there, enjoy the air conditioning, the story hours, and the large selection of books and magazines. Many libraries will order books from their affiliates. With no hidden costs (except perhaps overdue fines), you and your kids can try a variety of styles and genres until you find books that are especially delicious. Encourage your kids to look at collections of poetry, magazines, history books, biographies, encyclopedias, maps, and other types of reference books, in both print and online versions.
Read aloud to kids—even older kids. Beverly Cleary's mother did it, and so did mine. We're all busy, but the bedtime story is a ritual worth preserving. Summer is a good time to add a daytime story-reading ritual as well. As you read together, stop to discuss what's happening, why the characters behave as they do, and what might happen next. It will heighten your shared pleasure.
Be a role model for reading. In our interview with Beverly Cleary, she also reminded us that the best way to encourage kids to read is for them to see you reading. Hearing a well-read story is another way to foster a love of literature and reading. It's even better if it is a shared experience in the car or on a long summer evening.
Create a book group. Are you in a book group? It's a great way to motivate yourself to read and think about what you've read. How about creating a multi-generational book group? Kids can take turns picking the books and hosting. Help your kids prepare thought-provoking questions that will inspire group members to share their reactions and perspectives.
Encourage kids to recommend books to friends. Sharing a book with someone adds to the pleasure of reading. If friends are away for the summer, e-mailing, texting, or mailing book suggestions are ways to keep in touch. HighlightsKids.com provides a place to get recommendations and to share reviews with other kids. The book club can be found at: www.highlightskids.com.
Watch the film after reading. If there's a movie version of a book, consider reading it first. Older kids will find it interesting to observe how the book was interpreted and cut by a filmmaker. Did the film result in a more understandable or engaging version of the story, or did it diminish the impact of the book?
Help kids create their own books, magazines, and stories. Encourage your kids to try their hands at writing and illustrating their own stories. At HighlightsKids.com, they can make up their own "Goofus and Gallant®" stories and create their own Timbertoes® stories. Go to www.highlightskids.com.
For a host of great summer reading recommendations from the American Library Association, go to www.ala.org.
To find programs at your local library, go to lists.webjunction.org.
May your summer be filled with great reads!