Be sure to check out your library's summer reading program. Most libraries offer incentives to kids when they read. Ours lets kids choose from a treasure box when they finish a section and they get a free book if they compete the whole worksheet. Some even have adult reading programs so mom and dad can play along.
Make sure to buy or borrow some new books when you go on vacation and insist that the kids turn their video games off and spend some of that off time reading. Audio books are terrific for those long car trips. Pick something the entire family will enjoy and listen together.
Read to or with your child every day. Turn off the TV and read too your child. If they don't want to be read to then you can read your own books together. Make sure to ask your child to tell you about their book so you can check their comprehension and understanding.
Let your kids read what they want. While they should tackle a book or two off their summer reading lists they should also be able to read things that are fun. Try out some graphic novels and let them read things that are easier than they read at school. Find books that the kids will want to read without being asked even if its a book like Zombie Butts From Uranus!
.Have kids do activities that involve reading that aren't related to books. I enjoy telling my daughter to make me brownies. She gets out the mix and reads and follows all the directions (with me double checking from the couch) and I do the hot (or complicated) parts. Half an hour later we have brownies or cupcakes. If your child has a friend over it's even better because you can send half of the treats home with them.
Have any great tips to share?
