Does your child find it difficult to read during the summer?

It’s hard to spend time reading when there’s so many other things they want to do such as hanging out with friends, playing their favourite games and finding new places to explore.

We all get that.

Before and during the time I was in elementary and middle school, there were only three reasons I’d open a book:

1. It was absolutely – 100% – required for school

Actually, that’s the only one I can think of.

However, not reading at all during the summer can negatively impact your child’s learning.

AKA: the summer slide.

But what if your child could enjoy books in a way that’s fun and meaningful for them?

Try one of these five great ideas to encourage your child to read – and enjoy reading – during the summer.

1. Start Summer Reading Challenges

Even Reluctant Readers Will Enjoy one of these Summer Reading Challenge Ideas:

• use a summer 2019 movie list to make a list of titles you’re interested in. Some summer movie releases may be based off books, so challenge your children to read the book before you go see the movie
• have weekly (or bi-weekly) summer reading goals with a reward at the end of summer if your child can complete all of them
• a picture book scavenger hunt in your backyard

2. Make Reading Social

Encourage Your Child to Build Social Skills through Reading:

• attend a family reading event held by the Moncton Public Library to enjoy books, conversation, and nature. There are events to enjoy each week such as Storytent and Family Story Time
• involve other families at your workplace, daycare or neighborhood and host a summer reading party. Share and enjoy your favourite books, refreshments and other summer activities
• create your own family book club to help inspire new family dinner ideas, costumes and imaginative play and invitations for learning based on the books you read

3. Creative Reading Incentives

How to Motivate Your Child to Discover and Read More Books Throughout the Summer:

• customize a reading chart that matches a set amount of books completed to rewards. For every five books read, reward your child with an outing to somewhere they enjoy such as an ice cream date, trip to the zoo or a visit to their favourite store
• create a reading treasure box where your child can select items that will help make reading more fun prior to them reading a book. Considering filling it with items they can use during or after reading to build on their understanding and to inspire them to use their imagination
• connect fun “coupon” rewards like getting to choose what’s for dinner by encouraging your child to talk about a book they’re reading and make a “book recommendation” to the family

4. Create a Fun Reading Atmosphere

Ideas to Create the Perfect Reading Environment:

• For younger readers, mimic the feelings and sounds that happen in the book. Is it an adventure book with a rockslide? Shake the mattress! Is the book set in nature? Play nature sounds in the background
• Create your child’s very own reading nook – a comfy space that encourages them to open a book and explore new worlds
• Model the reading habit – block off some quiet time for everyone in your family to enjoy relaxing with a book

Cozy Reading Nook via Spongekids

5. Discover New Books in Unexpected Places

How to Find Books that Your Child Will Love:

• Visit a garage sale or yard sale in your neighbourhood
• Visit a specialty bookstore in Moncton like The Comic Hunter or a consignment/thrift store such as Lollipops and Gumdrops, Guy’s Frenchy’s or The Salvation Army for your next favourite book
• Use the Reading Rockets Book Finder Tool to get customized recommendations based on age, interest, book format and reading level

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We hope one of these ideas will inspire your children to read more and help them discover a love for reading. Let us know if you try one – there’s still a full month of summer reading ahead!

How do you encourage reading at home?