Keep Kids Reading in Summer with Family Literacy Activities

“Just because school is out doesn’t mean students should take a break from reading,” said Dennis Van Roekel, former president of the National Education Association. He adds, “When students return to their classrooms in the fall, we want reading to top the list of what they did this summer.”

That’s because regular summer reading helps kids make progress with literacy, and helps prepare them for all subjects when school starts up in the fall.

Librarian and educator, Carole Fiore says research shows that school-age students who stop reading for a summer may lose a month or more of progress they made in school.

However, students don’t have to go through an academic slump over the summer. Summer’s more relaxed pace and varied activities provide lots of opportunities for enjoyable reading. Try these ideas for parents and caregivers to prioritize reading within their family this summer:

 Scavenger hunts – Make a list of objects for your child to find outside. Use words your child can read, but include some challenging ones so he or she can practice sounding out and reading new words. If your child likes this, do it several times during the summer.

 Summer book club – Start a family book club, with members reading about mutual topics, e.g., sports, science fiction, adventure, history, mystery. Choose books for each member’s reading level. After each topic is completed, talk about what everyone read.

 Reading outside – Every child should experience reading outside on a blanket, under a tree, with a cool, refreshing drink. All books can be enjoyed outdoors, but include some about nature—birds, butterflies, insects, animals, stars, rocks, etc.

 Family dinner book club – Growing Book by Book invites you to join its free Around the World Family Dinner Book Club. On the first of each month, a book is recommended, along with a themed menu, easy crafts, conversation starters and a service project.

A few more suggestions:

 Read every day: Visit your library to get books and take part in a summer reading program.  Find the right reading level: There’s a fine line between challenging and frustrating. If a child makes five or more errors in reading a 50-word page, the book is too difficult.  Let kids select their books: Advise as needed, but let their interests direct their choices.

“Literacy is for life” is a public awareness campaign of the Pennsylvania Department of Education, aiming to improve literacy for Pennsylvania children from infancy through grade 12.