Easy Tips and Tricks to Get Your Child Reading This Summer
Why is reading over the summer holidays so important?
Children who don't read over the summer holiday, fall behind in their school work. A drop in their reading skills makes going back to school challenging. Here are some tips and tricks to make sure you and your children keep reading over the summer.
Read them a story
A great way to introduce the love of books to your child is by reading out loud to them before they go to bed. Many adults have happy memories of their parents reading to them. Or if you have young adults, read out items of interest to them from the newspaper or an online blog. Make reading a normal activity. Reading out loud starts the habit of reading early and maintains it for a lifetime.
Have them read you a story
Listening to them read and offering help when they get stuck on a word, your child will feel supported and encouraged and keep reading.
Surround your child with reading material
This one is simple. Visit your local library ( find yours on the library locator map) and spend time discovering what is on offer. Choose from nonfiction books or magazines, popular fiction or literary classics, your local library is the perfect place for your family to immerse themselves for an hour or two.
Make it a daily activity
Keep motivated by setting a time to read every day. A dedicated time indicates that this is important. You will turn this regular activity into fun in no time!
Enroll in a reading challenge
Sign up for a summer reading challenge at your local library. Many libraries offer the challenge for adults and children and in te reo Māori, too.
Be a good example
If you make a conscious effort to read at home and on holiday, your child is likely to copy your behaviour. Whether you sit and read beside your child on the beach or share the couch to flip through a book before dinner, your child will subconsciously want to do what you do. Plus, it’s a great excuse to relax. So make it a cool activity over the summer months