Summer Reading and Learning
for Children
Tips for Parents
Encourage Your Child’s Reading
- Start sharing books when your child is born, and don’t forget to keep reading with children into their teen years.
- Make a time and a place for reading in your home and encourage talking about reading in your family.
- Take advantage of "waiting” time to share books: on trips, at the doctor’s office, in line at the grocery store.
- Set a good example – read on your own.
- Allow your child to select books to read and be aware of your child’s reading interests.
- Give books as presents.
- Get to know the children’s librarian at your local public library.
- Register your child for a library card. Get the one free card that brings you a world of opportunity – no matter what your age.
- When preparing for family road trips, stock up on audio books from your library. Let your children choose some stories to listen to in the car. Have family members share favorite ghost stories and/or adventure stories around the campfire at picnics and on camping trips.
Things to Consider
When Choosing a Summer Reading Program for Your Child
- Look for thematic programs that match your child’s special interests and hobbies.
- Look for programs that allow children the freedom to choose which books they read and allow them to read at their own pace.
- Library programs, as opposed to reading instruction or skills programs, are more diverse in nature. They may feature new and developing technologies that may help participants develop their visual literacy and language skills, as well as offering reading practice. Look for variety and fun.
Helpful Web sites
Born to Read: How to Raise a Reader
National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC)
NAEYC'S "Information for Families" page.
Children's Literature and Reading
*Compiled from the American Library Association (ALA) and the Association for Library Service to Children, a division of the ALA.
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