Avoid the summer slide: keep your children interested in reading this summer

Encouraging your children to read over the summer can be a task, especially if they are not fond of reading. However, motivating them to read is crucial to maintain children’s reading levels and avoid the “summer slide”. 

It is the perfect time for children to choose books they enjoy reading without having to read the books on their reading curriculum. It can be easy for children to become stressed about starting the new school year, thinking about their new school uniform, making new friends and other overwhelming things. Books can help them to relax and provide the escapism they need from school worries. There are many popular children’s books to read that cover a variety of genres and are perfect for summer. The most read children’s books include The Chronicles of Narnia by C.S Lewis, The Gruffalo by Julia Donaldson, Famous Five by Enid Blyton, The Tracy Beaker Series by Jacqueline Wilson and many more. Let’s look at some ways below to inspire children to read this summer.

Create a special place for your children to read. 

No matter the space, equipment or budget, you can create a fun zone easily. A children's reading nook can be throwing pillows on the floor, a pop-up play tent, or sitting on the windowsill with a book - it's easy! As long as it's a kid-only zone, you can guarantee there interest in children's reading books will peak.

Consider these features: establish a quiet space, and think about their comfort - no one wants to sit on a hard floor uncomfortable! Lastly, make it fun! Allowing a child to associate reading with fun is crucial to raise bookworms in your household. 

Read adventurously.

Reading can take place anywhere at any time. Read on a plane, in the car, on a boat, in a treehouse – anywhere. That’s the beauty of reading. If you want to take it up a notch, why not create a reading scavenger hunt in your home? Hide some items (reading-themed), develop some clues, and let the fun unfold!

Create a comic.

Creating a comic can be done with ease. All it takes is paper, colouring pens and your child's imagination. Reading and creating comic books develops their reading comprehension skills. By integrating pictures and texts in a reading format, your children can easily comprehend and visualise the story they have created. 

Visit your local library.

The library is a quiet oasis where children can delve into their favourite books. Many challenges and events are held at your local library, which can encourage a love of reading and for your children to build new relationships. In the summer, libraries offer children's reading festivals.  Children who take part get a medal and a certificate. Whilst they are in the midst of the programme, they can take part in fun events alongside the given reading. Those who take part are: more enthusiastic about reading, maintain their reading level and boost their confidence and self-esteem. 

Encourage them to read aloud to anyone who will listen.

This tip is as easy as it sounds. Teaching children to read aloud to their friends, grandparents, imaginary friends, and pets is critical to improving their reading skills. The more practice they have, the better reader they will become. This may be a book, but it could also be reading a recipe while you cook. Reading a sign while you are in the car, the little things equal the big things!

Don't just let them read to you, read back to them. Reading to children has many benefits. Above all, it helps them develop language, listening and memory skills consequently helping them understand written language. 

Play games based on books.

Role-playing can contribute significantly to a child’s development. You can use props and dress up like a wizard, if you do not have props you can use household items to aid the improvisation. Role-play can help to contribute towards a child’s language and communication skills, their gross and fine motor skills and help them to understand social situations.

A lack of reading practice in the summer can lead to a loss of confidence when re-immersed in a school environment in September. According to the Literacy Trust , fewer than 1 in 2 children aged 8 to 18 actively enjoy reading. Instead, they view it as a chore. This figure is the lowest percentage of children who enjoy reading since 2005. Avoid this easily, and utilise the above ways at home to ensure your children remain interested in reading this summer.

"You can find magic wherever you look. Sit back and relax, all you need is a book."

- Roald Dhal