Now that we are into summer, MonkeyReader.com thought it would be helpful to give you some ideas to get your children reading the books on their summer reading lists. Here are our Top Ten Ideas to help you get your child into reading:
1. Make sure that you have a wide selection of books readily available. This includes having a wide variety of subject matter, genres, and books of different reading levels. Place them throughout the house and make them readily available.
2. Set aside reading times throughout the day and not just at bedtime. Children are more apt to read if other family members adhere to the reading times and are reading during that same time. This provides the opportunity for children to ask questions about what they are reading and can help them get past portions of their books that might hold them back.
3. Share the reading with your child. Have them read aloud and take turns reading to one another. This interaction is very successful with most children and you can increase their reading and reduce the amount that you read to them over a period of time.
4. Go to a library, coffee shop, or park and read. Finding different spots to read can be fun and creates a wide variety of atmospheres that will help your child adjust to reading almost anywhere. During the summer, a pool might be the perfect place to get 20 to 30 minutes of reading in, if not more!
5. Let your child choose what they will read. If they have specific books that have to be read for school, let them intersperse that reading with books that they are truly interested in. Don’t get too upset if they choose something that you don’t like. As long as it is appropriate, let them read whatever they choose.
6. Use books on tape (or CD) to read along with, if your child is struggling with the reading. Some summer reading lists contain books that may not interest your child, but they may be mandated by your school. Audio books are great ways to read along, and they provide voices and increase interest for books that may otherwise seem boring or complicated for a child.
7. Have discussions about the book your child is reading. Show an interest and ask questions about the main characters, settings, and plot. This will not only be a way to ensure that your child is reading, but can make the process more enjoyable, and it provides your child with an opportunity to ask quesions regarding the story.
8. Provide a bookmark with room to write down words that your child might not fully know the meaning of, so he or she can look them up or ask about them later. This will not only help your child make it through the book, but can increase his or her vocabulary, as well.
9. Find your child’s niche. Provide opportunities for your child to read books on subjects he or she truly enjoys and are part of his or her everyday life. You might be surprised what you discover and can open the door for your child to make many discoveries.
10. Keep reading FUN! It is better to find ways to get your child to read than it is to make it a daily chore. Plan things that your child enjoys around the reading. Travel to areas that resemble the setting of the book. If you are reading about fish, dogs, or other animals, plan a trip to the local pet store or zoo. If you can rent a movie from the same time peiod or genre, you may help to build your child’s interest in the story. Explore, try new things, and, most of all, HAVE FUN!!!
Visit MonkeyReader.com to find books to read both together and individually, as well as books to listen to on road trips, after dinner, or before seeing a movie based on that book. The classics are particularly good choices for everyone’s listening pleasure. We have over a million selections from which to choose, and prices are 30% 0ff retail !!!