This summer, don't slip...flip instead!
Ah to be a kid in the summertime—sleeping in, sunshine, popsicles...and mental decay?! According to Reading is Fundamental, "Research shows children lose one to three months of learning every summer." Yipes—that could equal losing everything since Spring Break! As parents, summer is our time to shine when it comes to encouraging our kids to read. Here are a few ways to keep the pages turning during the next few months:
- Want to see the movie? Read the book first. Prince Caspian, the second movie from the Chronicles of Narnia is debuting this weekend, and there's a wealth of DVD rentals based on fantastic children's books like Nim's Island, The Spiderwick Chronicles, The Water Horse, Bridge to Terabithia and more.
- Help other kids by reading. Register for Scholastic's Summer Reading Buzz and for every four books your child reads and logs into their site, they will donate a book to a child in need.
- Join your local library's summer reading program. Those sly children's librarians know you're more likely to visit the library frequently when prizes await. Consider making it a regular stop in your family's weekly schedule. There's nothing like a fresh stack of (free!) books from the library.
- Read where you're going. It's so cool to watch your kids light up when they connect a setting from a book they've read to a new place you're visiting. Reading is Fundamental makes it easy by this wonderful list they've complied, which lists different states/regions and books that take place there.
- Get inspired. Reading is Fundamental has more great ideas about summer reading, Reading Rockets has a collection of helpful articles, and even Oprah has recommendations for summer reading on her site. Talk to your children's librarian, visit a bookstore, and, of course, explore Family Reads for further ideas!












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