4 Tips To Help Your Kids Read This Summer
I have been so excited, my kids are finally consistently reading! Every summer I have great intentions of getting my kids to read…and then all of sudden August hits and well we didn’t read very much.
Two of my kids have fallen in love with reading over the past year (Yay!), but one is still very reluctant to read. For my reluctant reader, what has worked so far this summer is consistency and reading in smaller chunks. With her I will read in two 15 minute sections instead of 30- 40 minutes like my other two (well my 10 year old reads on his own…but we like to “quiz” him to make sure he is understanding what he is reading).
Yes, it does take a lot of time…I have been spending over an hour reading with my kids every day. However, it is so exciting when your kids are engaged in books. Plus I really get into the books as well…I mean I can’t wait to see if Princess Lana helps the Narwhal find his family either!
Here are 4 tips that have helped keep my kids reading this summer:
1. Consistency
Whether you decide to have a set time to read or vary the times each day, the key is being consistent on a daily basis. My kids (and especially my reluctant reader) is not surprised when I tell them it’s time to read. They are expecting it.
What I like about varying the times, is it seems less forced. Reading is a priority for us this summer, so we find a time that works and we choose to read. It is a family effort….we get excited about reading and that does rub off even on my child who would rather watch T.V.
2. Choosing the Right Books
Finding grade level books or “just right” books is important. If the books are too easy…it doesn’t push them to be better readers and if they are too difficult, it may discourage them. My oldest was outgrowing most of his books, so we purchased 3 new books and he is incredibly excited about reading them!
My middle child just finished second grade and doesn’t think she can read chapter books. To help with reading confidence, I wanted to help her tackle a few chapter books this summer. I found a couple chapter books at her level, and she is already on her second book now! I have her read it outloud to me and then I help her with any words she struggles with. She won’t be able to say, I can’t read chapter books anymore! Reading confidence is a big thing with her…and that just takes help and practice. She made big strides last year in school and I began to realize how important it is to keep her reading at home.
My youngest is reading above her grade level and wants to be a librarian. Of course, when my husband asked her if she was going to be a nice librarian she pointed her finger and said, “no, I am going to say….you be quiet.” My little goofball loves books nonetheless! She always has a book in her hand, but the same goes for her, I still want to encourage her to read books at her level. So I gathered a stack of grade level books (and some 1st grade books) and she chooses from that stack.
WHAT WE ARE READING NOW:
We still keep our favorite picture books of course, and all those we love to read over and over again. But for “reading time” we try to stick to grade level or just right books.
Check Out These DIY Bookmarks Here
3. Sign Up For Reading Programs
Our school is offering a reading program and so do most libraries. Finding a reading program can be exciting and will help motivate your kids to read. If the reading program doesn’t motivate them, then come up with your own reward system. Put a prize on top of your fridge and when they read X amount of minutes they can get a prize.
My middle child, one of her rewards is new book when she finishes the chapter book she is on. She has her eye on another book shown on the back of her current book which is great motivation.
And sometimes just coloring in the reading calendars and getting prizes from the library works great as well. I know my kids have loved marking down their time on all their reading calendars! We use sparkly gel pens, which makes everything better!
4. Create A Reading Station
To manage everything, I created a reading station. Each of the kids have a tray with their grade level books, which makes it easy for them to grab and read. I also have all the reading program calendars in a basket with gel pens so they don’t forget to track their minutes.
A reading station makes it accessible for them and keeps everything together for you! Win, win.
What I have learned this summer is reading is more fun when it is a family effort! I am no super mom, and I fail on the reading front more times than not. However, as I mentioned earlier, one of my children has really struggled with reading and the older she gets the harder it will be. This last school year made me very aware of that and prompted me to do a lot more to help her. Keeping her reading over the summer was one of my biggest goals.
I love when kids get excited over books. However, I also understand that not every child is that way. I have both ends of the spectrum. If they really fight reading…find what interests them. I know my son hated reading for several years…and in fourth grade he finally found a few series he liked and his love for reading really took off. So there is always hope even is your child doesn’t love reading now, it doesn’t mean that they never will! My son is a perfect example of that.
Need some book ideas for your kids? Here you go!
Book Series My Son Has Loved (3rd- 5th grade reading levels):
I Survived Series:
Jake Maddox Sports Series (they have an older JV series also):
Right now he is loving Alan Gratz books on WWII (I believe they are a 5th grade level) :
Book Series My Girls Have Loved (Kindergarten – 2nd Grade Level):
Elephant & Piggie Series:
Fly Guy Series:
Jake Maddox Series For Girls (we haven’t read all of these, but we loved the boys series):
Mermaids To The Rescue Series (We are just getting into this series also…but will be getting more of them!):
Lisa Ann Scott also has a Enchanted Pony Academy Series that caught my daughters eye and is mentioned in the Mermaid To The Rescue Book, Lana Swims North:
Want to add a personalized touch? Check out my Etsy site with personalized bookmarks for kids!
Enjoy reading this summer and let me know what books your kids are reading!! We will be needing some more ideas soon! Thanks for checking out my post!
