Ways to Make Summer Reading Fun

Summer reading can be a breeze if you keep it pleasurable and fun. The main thing to avoid with summer reading is to make it seem like a chore, or something to do before you can have fun. Reading for fun has many benefits. In a National Assessment of Educational Programs study, it was found that children who read daily for fun scored much higher on testing than those that did not. Make reading the fun part of the summer.

Start by creating a space for your child to read. Make it cool, comfortable, and quiet. It can be a backyard hammock, a clubhouse, or an air conditioned area with a comfy pile of pillows. It should be a place that your child looks forward to spending time. A blanket at the beach is also a great choice.

Look for books based on your child's main interests. Books on sports, crafts or animals that your child loves will keep his interest level high. Many schools have specific summer reading lists in which to choose books from. If a title seems like it might seem more like work than play for your child, try "popcorn" reading. This is when your child reads one chapter, or paragraph, or even a sentence, and then you read the next one. It's a great way to enjoy a lazy summer afternoon together, reading in a hammock or on a beach blanket. The added benefit is that you can talk about the book together and your child sees that you love reading too.

For older children, how about creating a summer book club where a group of friends read the same title, discuss, snack on summer goodies and take a dip in the pool. If you don't have a group of friends willing to do this, you could start a family book club, and read the summer reading titles you child is reading. Then you can have a book club party to discuss the book.

If you have a young reader that is struggling, there are still ways to make reading friendly and entertaining. Who says you have to read chapter books? When my daughter was learning to read, I introduced her several poetry and joke books. They can be read in short bursts and are entertaining and motivating to read. Some of our favorites are those by Shel Silverstein, like Light in the Attic, Where the Sidewalk Ends, and Falling Up. These poems are quirky, fun and entertaining. Most are no longer than a paragraph or two, and some are shorter. My daughter has read half the book in one sitting, not realizing it because she's enjoying the poems so much.

Expand on this with kids magazines. There are several great titles for kids with stories, jokes, fun games and pictures that make reading entertaining. How about comic books or even reading the Sunday newspaper together? Get a book of children's skits and plays at the library and let your kids memorize their lines to put on a big show for your family.

Check out your local library. Many have summer reading programs with prizes and incentives for reading. Craft times and story hours at the library incorporate reading into their programs, and get your child more comfortable with the library. Be sure to check out a few books for yourself. Don't underestimate the role you play in teaching your children that reading is something fun and enjoyable.

Technology can be your friend. Watching a kid's movie? Here's another way to squeeze in some reading. Turn on your TV's closed captioning and they will be reading the words along with the actors. Reading is reading, it all counts and it all improves your child's confidence and skill. Also, there are several great reading CD games and reading websites out there that are great for rainy summer days.

Most of all make sure reading becomes a regular part of your child's summer. One way or another, incorporate reading into every day, and your child will benefit in innumerable ways. A love of reading will carry your child through many years to come.