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3-Minute Guru


 Tuesday, June 13, 2011
How to keep kids reading throughout the summer

BY JANE HANSEN

    As a teacher, I am often asked by parents what they can do over the summer to help their child become better prepared for the next grade.  They are intently seeking out some colossal idea, and it's frequently with disappointment that they hear my answer:  "Just keep your child reading."

  "Oh, OK great.  But what else can we do?" they ask, just knowing that my answer was not enough.
 
  Most of the time, that IS enough.
  Jane Hansen.
   This is not to say that there aren't other things you can do, but the MOST important thing you can and should be doing over the summer and yearlong is to keep your child reading.  The No. 1 way to help your child become a better learner in all subjects is to be a better reader, and the No. 1 way to become a better reader is to simply read more.

  Yes, it really IS that simple.

  Instill a love of reading into your child. There is no better time to do it than over the summer when their schedules are not as intense.  

Here are some tips to keep in mind while creating that reading atmosphere in your home:

  •     For reluctant readers, read WITH them or aloud to them.  Spend 30-45 minutes a day, sit beside them and take turns reading and discussing the book.  Or just simply read the entire book to them.  Children are always looking for attention from their parents. Unconsciously, you are instilling that love of reading because your child will connect the good feelings of having attention paid to them with the reading.

  •     STOP treating reading as if it is a chore for them to do.  Comments such as, "After you get your reading done, you can have your treat," or, "If you don't do your reading, you are punished."  Yikes! How does that create an attitude where one enjoys reading?  Those types of comments create the attitude of a "have to" instead of a "get to."
 
      Instead, say things such as, "You get to read before bed in the summer and stay up a half-hour later!    You pick each night if you want to read alone or have me read to you."   Can you feel the difference?
  •     Take them to the library or to the bookstore often.  Make that a "date night" with your child.  Barnes and Noble even has a Starbucks inside, so you can sit and enjoy a treat together while discussing the books you chose.

  •     Create a "Reading Time" in your house when everyone stops what they are doing and reads.  Kids love to do this when they are cuddled up in bed next to their parents.  For younger children, have a special stuffed animal that is their "Book Buddy" and only take it out during reading time.

  •     Surround your kids with books.  Always have books at home, in the car, when going to the doctor, on trips, etc.  Make it a part of their everyday living.
  •     Most important, model reading!  When kids see their parents reading, they, too, will value it.

This summer, create the space to help your child soar with their reading.  Forget all the worksheet practice and just keep them reading!


Jane Hansen is a third-grade teacher at Del Prado Elementary School in Boca Raton. She has 17 years of teaching experience, certified in early childhood, elementary and gifted education. She is also a certified parent instructor of the Redirecting Children's Behavior course.  Jane can be reached by email or call  561-542-1700.