by Coordinated Campaign for Learning Disabilities (1997)
Efforts should be made during the summer to help children sustain reading skills, practice reading and read for enjoyment.
Reading builds visualization, thinking and language abilities. Taking the time to read with your child can help you evaluate your child's reading skills.
Of course, children need free time in the summer to relax and enjoy the pleasures of childhood. So summer reading should be fun. Following are a few tips to make reading more enjoyable for your children this summer.
Read aloud together with your child every day.Make it fun by reading outdoors on the front steps, patio, at the beach or park. Also, let your children read to you. For younger children, point out the relationship between words and sounds.
Set a good example!Parents must be willing to model behavior for their children. Keep lots of reading material around the house. Turn off the TV and have each person read his book, including adults!
Read the same book as your child and discuss it.This is the way to develop habits of the mind and build capacity for insight and thought.
Buy books on tape, especially for a child with a learning disability. Listen to them in the car, or turn off the TV and have the family listen to them together.
Take your children to the library or bookstore regularly.Most libraries and book stores sponsor summer reading clubs with easy-to-reach goals for kids. A library and book store events calendar was included in your child's summer reading packet so that you will know all of the events being offered in June and July.
Subscribe to magazines like Sports Illustrated for Kids, Highlights, or National Geographic World.Encourage older children to read the newspaper and current events magazines, to keep up the reading habit over the summer and develop vocabulary. Ask them to think about what they've read, and listen to what they say.
Ease disappointment over summer separation from a favorite school friend by encouraging them to become e-pals or pen pals.Present both children with postcards or email addresses so they can communicate about the book and help each other.
Make trips a way to encourage reading by reading aloud traffic signs, billboards, and notices.Show your children how to read a map or GPS, and once you are on the road, let them take turns being the navigator.
