Summer is a time to relax and enjoy time with family. After playtime, what better way to continue connecting with your children than by reading with them? You can help make reading a joyous experience for your children regardless of their age.
“For younger children, the magic happens when the book is open in the hands of a loving, caring adult,” said Dipesh Navsaria, MD, MPH, MSLIS, FAAP. “It’s not simply just handing them a book and expecting them to silently read.”
Here are some tips to keep your children engaged with reading and help children associate reading with fun:
- Read together as a daily, fun family activity.
Set aside time each day to read with your child. Our lives can be busy but even short snippets of reading can be beneficial, such as during a break from swimming at the pool or before bedtime.
- Take advantage of community programs at local libraries.
Most local libraries hold events throughout the summer and all year round that children enjoy. Some children enjoy having a goal to aspire to and give them a sense of accomplishment. Book clubs, story time and other events can help kids connect with their friends or make new ones. Make memories by taking your child to a library event or to get their first library card.
- Check out book lists.
The AAP website HealthyChildren.org offers several lists that parents can pull from. Other groups, including the Association for Library Service to Children and the Cooperative Children’s Books Center, also provide book lists for children. Read Out and Read hosts a podcast as well where Dr. Navsaria speaks with authors about their work and can provide tips for parents.
- Sign up your child for free book programs.
Consider building your child’s home library by subscribing to a free book program. These programs will typically mail age-appropriate books each month addressed to your child. Waiting for the books in the mail can help build excitement, which adds to the joy of reading. Ask your child’s school about free book programs in your area. When out on walks, encourage your children to explore Little Free Libraries you come across. Teach children about how libraries work and see what books you can give back to others.
- Encourage reading time instead of screen time.
This may also encourage you to put away your screens, giving more quality time with your child.
- Set up a dedicated reading space.
Create a comfy space to read that is inviting and free of distractions such as phones or other electronics. You might provide water or snacks, or if it’s nearing bedtime, place a reading lamp near the bed. This can also help children wind down before sleep and avoid blue light from screens that can make sleep more difficult.
- Make reading interactive.
Rhyming, playing, talking, singing, and cuddling together can keep children engaged with reading. Let children turn the pages and point out pictures and passages they find interesting. Read aloud to young children while they play. As they grow, include tactile and colorful books, and ask questions about what they see.
- Keep reading aloud to your kids.
Much like sitting and watching a movie together, reading aloud with your children, even as they grow older, can help you bond. You can discuss what the books mean to them and what similar themes they detect in their own lives.
- Allow children to explore their interests through the books they read.
Perhaps they would like to revisit old favorites from their childhood or pick up the book version of a new film coming out. If your child isn’t sure what to read next, librarians are an excellent source of information and are specifically trained to help.
“We’re talking about summer. Let them read what they want. Let them do it how they want to. Create that space and let them have agency in it,” Dr. Navsaria said.
- Remove obstacles for those who struggle with written words.
Children with reading difficulties may find it hard to appreciate the fun in reading without some help in removing obstacles. Consider trying audiobooks or graphic novels. Both provide rich storytelling and benefits by opening the door to those who might struggle decoding written text.
“Ask yourself what need your method of reading is meeting,” Dr. Navsaria said. “Sometimes you can’t physically look at the book to read it with your children. Consider putting on an audiobook for a long car ride or while cooking meals together.”
Don’t forget to ask your pediatrician for ways to encourage reading. Some pediatricians are involved with programs like Reach Out and Read where they receive books in the office to share with patients. If your pediatrician isn’t aware of the program, help them get started.
“A key factor to their enjoyment is how you as a parent think about, talk about, and make reading a part of your day,” Dr. Navsaria said. “This serves as a model for them.”
For more information, go to HealthyChildren.org.