Encouraging summer reading; helpful tips to get started

June 28, 2006 - Countless studies demonstrate that children who read during the long summer months have stronger reading and comprehension skills when they return to school in the fall. These children have a larger vocabulary, and better overall school performance than children who don't read during the summer. It only makes sense, doesn't it? The more you read, the better you read. The better you read the more you learn.

Exercising reading skills is like exercising your body - the more you do it on a regular schedule the better you get at it. Encouraging your child to read every day for at least 30 minutes is one of the most important things you can do to make that success possible. Kids who read really do succeed -- in school, at home and in their future careers.

Parents who are actively involved in their children's learning at home help their children become more successful learners in and out of school. Even as children grow into teenagers, parents and families still play a key role in nurturing and supporting educational growth.

How can you help? Here are some suggestions:

• Encourage your child to read this summer, whether it's a book, short story, comic book, magazine or newspaper. Your child could read quietly, or share a story aloud with a family member or friend.
   
• Get your child a library card. Get a library card for yourself. Use it. Support your child's reading activity with weekly trips to your neighborhood library or a local bookstore.
   
• Make reading a part of your family's life. Schedule a regular time for sharing books, poems or newspaper and magazine articles after dinner or before bed. Use television as a stimulus for reading about people, places and topics of special interest.
   
• Help your child keep track of his or her daily reading activity. Set realistic goals. Keep it fun. You and your child will enjoy watching reading time progress over the summer.
   
• Reward yourself and your child for reading this summer. Take time to do something special together.
  Reading opens your child to worlds of possibilities. By actively encouraging your child to read this summer, you are helping your child develop important reading and comprehension skills that will last a lifetime.

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