Summer is a time for relaxation, fun, and exploration for children. While it’s essential to let them unwind, it’s equally important to keep their minds engaged and their reading skills sharp during the break. Studies have shown that children can experience a significant loss of reading capacity over the summer months, often referred to as the “summer slide.” To prevent this decline and foster a love for reading, here are five tips and playful activities to encourage summer reading.
According to research conducted by the National Summer Learning Association, children can lose two to three months’ worth of reading progress over the summer if they don’t engage in regular reading activities. Dr. Richard Allington, an expert in educational studies, emphasises the importance of summer reading, stating, “If kids don’t read over the summer, the accumulative effect of each summer of not reading creates a gap that widens as they move through school.”
Designate a cosy reading corner in your home where your child can escape into the magical worlds of books. Surround the area with their favourite books, soft pillows, and blankets to make it a captivating space. Ensure there’s ample natural light, which will make reading even more enjoyable. By creating a special reading nook, you’ll encourage your child to see reading as a delightful and relaxing activity.
Children often look up to their parents as role models. Set an example by regularly reading books, newspapers, or magazines in front of them. Plan family reading sessions where everyone picks their own book and enjoys reading together. Family book clubs can also be a great idea, where you read the same book and discuss it over dinner. These experiences not only foster a love for reading but also strengthen family bonds. These reading habit is a family affair.
Visiting a local library or bookshop can be a thrilling adventure for your child. Encourage them to pick books that pique their interest. Let them explore different genres, from adventure to mystery, fantasy to non-fiction. Many libraries host summer reading programmes with exciting incentives for kids who reach certain reading milestones, making it even more enjoyable. Sometimes children like a certain genre of reading – comics, non-fiction, diaries, fandom stories etc. Getting the reading habit can start in unusual places so be open to a wide range of reading material.
Phonics is a crucial skill for early readers. Utilise magnetic letters to create playful and interactive phonics activities. For instance, you can form simple words on the fridge and have your child read them aloud. Then, swap one letter to create a new word and see if they can identify the change. It’s a fantastic way to reinforce phonics ability by breaking apart and building words phonetically.
Shop Monster Phonics Magnetic Letters
Flashcards don’t have to be dull; they can be incredibly engaging with a creative approach. Get a durable, quality set of flashcards which you can use as secret passwords to the fridge or a room. You can playing hiding games with them – inside or outside the home. You can build memory games with a deck of flashcards. The key is to get eyeballs on the flashcards as often as possible, especially in short, fun bursts.
This summer, let’s embark on a journey of nurturing young minds and preserving the magic of reading. The summer slide is a real concern, but with a proactive approach and engaging activities, we can ensure that our children not only maintain their reading capacity but also cultivate a lifelong love for books. By creating a captivating reading space, involving the whole family, exploring libraries, and incorporating playful phonics and flashcard activities, we can make this summer an unforgettable one for our little readers. Remember, the key is to inspire curiosity, ignite imagination, and open the door to a world of endless possibilities through the pages of books.