Summer Reads for Kids: Fun ideas to support your growing readers this summer
Here are some ideas to support your growing readers this summer
Summer is a time for kids to enjoy sleeping in, exploring the outdoors, and going on family adventures. But summer is also a perfect opportunity to engage in some fun activities that support children's academic growth.
Keeping students engaged and excited about reading over the summer can help prevent the notorious "summer slide." Here are some ways to include fun reading opportunities for your children this summer.
The Importance of Summer Reading
Reading during the summer is crucial for maintaining and improving literacy skills. It helps children develop a love for books, boosts their vocabulary, and build their comprehension skills. It also allows them to explore new worlds and ideas while building imagination and creativity.
Parents can play a significant role in this process by setting achievable reading goals based on feedback from teachers' report cards. Tailoring summer reading activities to your child's specific needs can make the experience both productive and enjoyable.
"What Can I Do to Help My Child Practice Reading Over the Summer?"
This is one of the most frequent questions I receive from parents at the end of the school year. This concern is totally valid and important. Summer break can be a wonderful time to reinforce and build upon the reading skills that children have developed during the school year. Here are several strategies and activities that can make summer reading both effective and enjoyable:
Reading List: Visit your local library and ask them to suggest some picture books appropriate for your child's age. They might also have a "Summer Reading List" available. Kids love checking things off the list!
Reading at the Park: Bring a comfy blanket, a selection of favorite books, and a delicious snack. Find a shady spot in a local park, spread out your blanket, and dive into a good book!
Word Games: Play some games like Zingo!, ABC Cookies, Find a Spot, or even homemade flashcards. These games are excellent for building phonological awareness and vocabulary. Here are some of my favorites!
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Clapping for Syllables: This is a simple and fun way to help children understand syllable segmentation. This is a crucial skill for reading development. As you go about your day, pick objects around you (like "table," "umbrella," or "refrigerator") and clap out the syllables together. It's a great on-the-go activity and super fun for those long car rides!
Decodable Readers: Create a reading nook. Add pillows, blankets, a book basket, and some fairy lights.
Decodable books are specially designed to support beginning readers by using decodable phonetic patterns. These books help children practice decoding skills, which are essential for reading fluency. Incorporate these decodable books into your child's daily reading routine, and watch their reading confidence soar!
Remember that making reading a family affair will go a long way in helping your young readers develop good reading habits, but most importantly, spark a lifelong love of reading. Whether it’s a chapter book you read aloud or a picture book your child reads to you, this shared time reinforces the joy of reading and strengthens your bond.
Happy reading!
TP
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