Summer break is here, but that doesn’t mean taking a break from reading.
“The pressure is off, school’s out, the days are longer,” said Mindy Berry Walker, executive editor of The Week Junior.
She believes summer is a perfect opportunity for parents to encourage their child’s passion for reading, “because it is a skill that will benefit them for life.”
The Week Junior recently unveiled its annual list of the top 50 books children enjoy the most, based on a survey of 250 kids across the country.
If your child is not a big fan of reading, Berry Walker recommends exploring the fantasy genre.
“Every year when we ask kids, that’s the genre they prefer the most,” Berry Walker explained, “and the good news is, there are many fantastic fantasy series available.”
Justyn Rampa, a regional manager at the Cincinnati and Hamilton County Public Library, also suggests introducing your child to book series, particularly older kids, “so you don’t have to worry about what to read next,” he added.
The ‘summer slide’
Scholastic reports that kids in grades three to five can lose up to 20% of their reading progress during the summer break.
To keep kids engaged, Berry Walker advises parents to cater to their child’s interests.
“I bet there’s a book on that subject,” she assured, “whether it’s about astronauts, mummies, sports, or ballet, there’s something out there.”
Another suggestion Berry Walker offers is allowing children to stay up a bit later for “bonus book time.”
Engage in reading activities
Rampa believes reading shouldn’t be limited to bedtime. He suggests finding a cozy spot outdoors or inside where the whole family can read together, parents included.
“Put away the phone and grab a book so your kids see that you’re reading too,” he recommended.
Families can also make use of programs and resources at their local libraries. For instance, the Cincinnati and Hamilton County Public Library is hosting a challenge for young readers to complete a 25-day challenge.
“Focus on the joy of reading and fun to show kids that both can coexist,” Rampa suggested.
The Week Junior is presenting its own challenge. By reading three books, children have a chance to win free books, and one lucky child will get a chance for a video call with an author.
Experts also point out that audiobooks, comics, and magazines count as reading material.
“I enjoy reading chapter books because they help me learn new words,” said Pattie Turner, a third grader from Texas, emphasizing that every page matters.
