Keep Kids Reading All Summer

School is coming to an end and your children are probably looking forward to family vacations, summer camps and days by the pool. Make sure during those days of fun in the sun that your students continue to read . It’s known that children who read throughout their summer breaks have an academic advantage over those who do not read.

The following tips will keep your Catholic elementary school, middle school and Catholic high school students’ noses in their books!

Let Hollywood give you a hand. You know many films are based on books. From Alice in Wonderland and Charlie in the Chocolate Factory to Little Women and Pride and Prejudice, there is a never ending supply of movies with book counterparts. Encourage your student to read the book first, then watch the movie and talk about how the two compare and contrast . Ask them which version they like more – you’ll be surprised just how many times your child chooses the book!

Take part in summer reading games. Many local libraries provide summer reading programs with prizes and games. If your library does not have a program, consider making your own. Whether your child just finished Catholic preschool or is starting their first year at Catholic high school, you can do a little research and find a list of books most applicable to them. Award a grand prize for the children who finish the full list of books .
Visit a comic book store. Okay, we know it’s not Dickens or Plato, but a comic book can be an excellent way to get children excited about reading. This works best for children who are visual and artistic learners. Comic books help children make connections between a series of pictures and the written word. By the end of the summer, you can even encourage your child to develop their own comic strip!
Get a magazine subscription. Many magazines are targeted to kids and preteens. The writers have a voice that children can connect with, and they write about topics that young teens will find interesting . If you get the subscription in the child’s name, it can be seen as a personalized invitation to read.
Be patient with children whom don’t get excited about reading . Try to make a connection between reading and the child’s passion. If your child is a soccer fan, find books that will help improve his or her soccer game or biographies of great soccer players. Book series are also great options for hesitant readers. Often , if a child can make a connection with a character or book theme, they will be more inclined to continue reading the series.
Make reading a priority. Plan to set aside time each day to read to younger children or read with older children. If you have a child who is too old to be read to, consider reading the same book together and discuss it at the end of each chapter . Also, try to make a quiet spot in the home for reading. You don’t have to build a dedicated reading nook, but find a spot away from the hustle and bustle of a busy house for reading.
Be a role model. The best way to show your kids just how important it is to read – do it yourself! Whether you are at the airport, the doctor’s office or the swimming pool, bring a book or magazine. If you children see you reading, likely they will want to do the same.

Make it a great few months of fun reading and keep those young minds hooked on the books over the summer break!