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Marcus Hook Title I > Parent Tips

Encourage Summer Reading

In the summer, most children want to be outdoors, riding bikes, playing ball, or frolicking at the pool. It can be difficult to get them to sit still and read. They don't realize the importance of keeping up the reading skills they've already acquired.

As parents, we should find ways to encourage our children to read as often as possible. Here are a few suggestions to get you started.

• Make reading fun for the younger set. Designate a different "secret" reading space every day. For example, have them read while sitting in the bathtub. Throw a blanket and pillow in and tell them it's their space for the day. Other secret spaces could be on mom and dad's bed or under the table after it's been turned into a fort.
• Offering motivation is another idea that works. Drop a marble in a jar after every book (or reading session) is complete. When the jar is full, offer a special treat, such as ice-cream. Or drop in dimes instead and use the money to buy them a prize.
• Do your children have a special interest, such as animals or sports? Have them check out book on those topics. Is the family visiting a new vacation spot this year? There's probably a book on it. If you can't find a book covering the specific area, how about a book on the landscape? If you're going to the beach this year, check out a book on seashells. If you're going to the mountains instead, how about a book on bird-watching or trees?

Getting older children to read is sometimes a bit more difficult, but it can be done. Most importantly, let them read what interests them. Sometimes parents push their children into reading books that are a bit more challenging, but this can take the joy out of reading. Honestly, how many adults can say they try to read more and more challenging books? Most of us simply enjoy reading for pleasure. Children should have the same option.

• Magazine subscriptions work well with older kids. They'll appreciate getting mail, and there are a variety of magazines to pique their interest. There's something for everyone, such as Highlights for Children, Boys Life, American Girl, Sports Illustrated for Children, and Cricket, to name a few.
• Do your children like to push the bedtime curfew just a bit? No problem. Allow them to stay up 30 minutes extra, as long as they're in bed reading.

These are just some ideas to help get through the summer with reading. Please remember it is very important to read every day with your child. Keep them on track for the coming school year.

Also check out the following links
~ Click Here ~ to view the Marcus Hook Parent Involvement Policy
~ Click Here ~ to view the Parent Notification of Professional/Paraprofessional Qualifications

This page last updated 06/03/2008

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