PBS Parents offers a great resource for summer reading tips to make reading fun and meaningful for a variety of ages. Research tells us that students who do not read over the summer can experience learning loss that causes them to be months or even years behind their peers in school. To make sure your child stays on grade level or above, check out some of these tips below and get reading!
For babies, toddlers and young children:
- Point out letters and words as you are out and about with your child to help them build recognition.
- See what your local library branch offers – many branches have fun activities or read-aloud times for young children.
For kindergarteners, first-graders, and early readers and writers:
- Let your child choose the books they read or that you read together.
- Read a book and watch the movie version, if there is one, and talk with your child about which one you liked better and why.
For all ages:
- Bring books or writing materials with you on outings so that children can read or write during downtime when you are at the park, waiting at the doctor’s office or running errands.
- Be a role model for your child by making sure they see you reading and writing on a daily basis, showing them these skills are both fun and useful.
- Make connections between the stories you read and the things you do this summer, like visiting family, cooking or playing outside.
