Make Summer A Page-Turner

It's hard to believe summer is almost here -- the time when we get to kick back and relax. For many of us, summer is the perfect opportunity to catch up on that list of books we've been meaning to read. Meanwhile, our kids look at summer as a time to put as much distance between them and books as possible.

But according to reading experts, children who don't read over the summer lose half a grade level of reading skills. Conversely, students who participate in summer reading programs are more likely to read at their grade level or above when they return to school. And those reading above grade level are more likely to retain those skills into the next school year.

So how do you help your kids avoid summer losses and instead turn the summer into gains? You can start by making sure there are plenty of books around. We are fortunate that our city has one of the best library systems in the nation – the Columbus Metropolitan Library (CML). What’s more, it offers an excellent summer reading program. Kids can win some great prizes. Barnes and Noble also is offering a summer reading program. Kids who read eight books will win a free book.

In addition to summer reading programs, parents can teach kids that reading can be fun. One way to accomplish this is by reading for pleasure when the kids can see you. Research shows that children read more when they see other people reading! Here are some other ideas for demonstrating that reading is both important and fun. I first wrote out these ideas for my church newsletter. But, I wanted to share them with you too.

Critics’ Choice
Let kids decide what they want to read about. They are more likely to read if you give them a choice. Additionally, one research study found that if children read one million words a year, they will add at least 1,000 words to their vocabulary. You also can learn a lot about your children when you take time to discover their interests.

And, you can help make reading exciting for them if you help them find books they are interested in. One excellent resource is Honey for a Child’s Heart by Gladys Hunt. This family favorite has everything parents need to find the best books for their children.

The book also discusses the ways reading affects children’s views of the world and how reading impacts their imagination. It also includes an indexed list of the best books on the market. Critics say that Hunt’s suggestions will enrich the cultural and spiritual life of any home.

Bound Together
Reading with, or to your children, also is a great to bond with them. And no matter what their "love language," you can fill their emotional tanks through reading. For example, if “time” is your child’s primary love language, spend an afternoon or evening exploring together at the library. If “touch” is their primary love language, cuddle on the couch while reading or sit shoulder to shoulder with an older child.

If your child’s primary love language is “service,” offer to organize his or her books or return library books. And if “gifts” are your child’s love language, purchase a book by a favorite author, or give a book in place of a greeting card.

Closing Thoughts
Reading for enjoyment is one of the great predictors of future academic performance and it is a predictor of whether kids are going to be involved in drug abuse and premature sexual activity. So one of the best things you can do for your kids is to teach them to read for enjoyment. Why not start this summer? Make the following months a page-turning adventure for your kids!