Tip of the Week

July 20, 2020

How to Get Started on Summer Reading

If getting summer reading assignments started (or getting your child to read for pleasure) feels like pulling teeth in your household, you are not alone. Here are a few suggestions:

  1. If it feels too burdensome and your child is overwhelmed, help them break down the task into manageable pieces. It’s a long summer and there’s no need to cram it all into a few sittings.
  2. If your child feels that they’d rather be doing anything else and that this “extra” work is cutting into their summer fun, work around their summer schedule and help them find “down” times where they can read in short bursts.
  3. Model reading. Create a quiet reading time when everyone in the house is reading a book of their choice.
  4. Read the book together. Take turns reading every few pages, and make time to “stop and reflect” to strengthen comprehension.
  5. Try an e-reader (Kindle, Nook, iPad). Who doesn’t love a little screen time? It’s a fun way to read.

The key to success is to identify and understand the root of the challenge and implement specific solutions that fit your child’s frame of mind.