How to Get Your Child into Summer Reading

Convincing your child to read assigned books during the school year can be a daunting task, and summer vacation makes it that much more difficult. This summer, help your child get excited about the prospect of reading books. Some children start out as bookworms, but if yours is not, Volusia private schools have tips on helping them get there. Even if they roll their eyes at first, some of these tips can help your child become an avid reader by the time school starts again.

Let Your Child Choose

For a child to truly become enthusiastic about something, they need to think it was their idea. Rather than assigning a rigid list of books to your child, let them choose what they want to read. See if your child’s school has a recommended summer reading list for inspiration. As long as they choose something age appropriate, encourage them to read the book, and read it yourself so you can discuss it with them.

Read the Book, then Watch the Movie

Almost every classic children’s book has been made into a movie, and new movies based on books keep popping up. Find poignant books with movie adaptations, like Where the Wild Things Are, The Lorax and James and the Giant Peach. Encourage your child to read the book, then watch the movie with you. After you read the book and watch the movie together, discuss how the two were similar and how they differed. This will be a fun way to help your child relate to the books they read while expanding their imagination.

Have Your Child Read to You

Before your child learned to read, you read to them every night before bed. Try switching up that routine by having your child read to you. Choose fun stories that will keep them engaged but won’t scare them. Pick some of your favorite books from your childhood, and discuss the books with your child to see how they feel about them. This exercise will help your child learn to read and start to feel a little more grown up.

Theme Reading Around Summer Vacation

Most children only seek out fiction books. However, summer reading can also include nonfiction, especially if it’s based on where you’re going for vacation. If you’re traveling, find books and guides about the places you’re going so your child can read up about them before you go there. This will also help your child get excited about traveling and connect with the places they’re visiting. Even zoo and aquarium trips can be a little more fun if your child reads up on the animals ahead of time. Consider fiction and nonfiction options, depending on your child’s age and reading level.

We encourage our students to read over summer break, and it helps if they’re excited about the prospect. Our Volusia private schools provide children with a sense of community in a safe, nurturing environment that allows them to explore their faith and talents. With our dedication to academic excellence, we challenge students to become creative, critical, compassionate leaders. To learn more about what makes us different, contact us today.