Happy Reading!
Summer Reading Tips to Share with Parents
1. Read every day. Set aside time each day for your child to read, and set a good example by reading
during that time yourself, as well!
2. Read out loud. Try letting your child read to you, or to a pet or even a favorite toy.
3. Location, location, location. Keep things interesting by choosing different places for your daily
reading time—in the backyard, front yard, at a park, on the beach, at the library, etc.
4. Start a book club. Read the same book your child is reading, and talk with him or her about it to
help develop comprehension and analytical skills.
5. All choices are good choices. Encourage the reading habit by letting your child choose his or her
own reading material, even if it’s popular fiction or something else that may not be your first choice.
6. Listen up. Give audiobooks a try! The whole family can listen to them together at home or in the
car, or your child can listen solo with headphones.
7. The library is your friend. Take your child to the library regularly, and while you’re there collect
information about any summer reading clubs, activities, or events they offer. Most libraries have
programs with easy-to-reach goals and age-appropriate reading lists!
8. Try a variety. In addition to books, encourage your child to read magazines (older children can read
the newspaper, as well!). Some suggestions to help expand their horizons and their vocabularies:
National Geographic Kids, Odyssey, Time for Kids, Ranger Rick, Highlights for Children, and Sports
Illustrated for Kids.
9. Read everywhere! No matter where you take your child, read aloud traffic signs, billboards, and
anything else you see. If you’re going on a longer trip, teach your child how to read a map and let
him or her help navigate by reading you directions.
10. Record it. Encourage your child to collect souvenirs (postcards, photos, ticket stubs, etc.) throughout the summer and create a scrapbook, writing captions for each item he or she includes.
Enjoy!
