Read Read Read

The best thing you can do for your children this summer is to read out loud to them and have them read out loud to you. Set aside time when you all sit together and read. Let your children see you enjoy reading. My mother always said, “Monkey see, monkey do.” If she wanted us to enjoy an activity, she would model enjoying that activity. If you want your children to enjoy reading, show them that reading is fun.

Unfortunately, during the school year, reading becomes one more thing “we have to do.” So, this summer, let’s make reading a fun activity rather than a torturous one. Lighten up reading by providing comic books, magazines, and books that are easier reading than grade level but that capture the imagination. Encourage your children to reread favorite books. Have them read signs, license plates, billboards. Write and read notes to one another. Ask grandparents to send letters. If you have budding chefs in the family, get some cookbooks or read the recipes off the oatmeal container.

There are no limits to the ways you can incorporate reading into summer activities. The idea is to have fun and be creative.