Summer is Here and the Living is Easy...

Ah, summertime. Adults and children alike look forward to the slower, more relaxed pace of summer.  There’s just something about the warmer weather and longer hours of daylight that make the season a little more special.    And for kids, the break from school and homework is the highlight of the year.
 
But, a three-month break from school, however much fun, isn’t always the best for children’s reading skills.  Most experts agree that kids who don’t read over the summer fall behind their classmates who do.  According to Study.com, reading not only keeps literacy skills sharp, it also allows kids to gain knowledge, and it helps them to develop and maintain critical thinking skills https://study.com/blog/why-is-summer-reading-so-important-for-kids-success.html.
 
So how do parents bridge the gap between keeping the less stress summer vibe alive and making sure their kids don’t backslide academically?  Below are some fun suggestions that will keep your kids moving forward academically without stifling the summer fun.

• Subscribe to children’s magazines that cover topics of interest to your child.  Sports illustrated and National Geographic both offer children’s versions of their iconic periodicals, and a quick internet search will provide several other options that you and your child can choose from.

 

• Visit your local library.  In addition to books on every topic imaginable, most city and town libraries offer summer programs for kids of all ages.  Weekly story hours and arts and crafts sessions are popular for younger children, and book discussion groups are often available for middle and high school aged students.

 

• Research options for family outings.  Get your kids involved in planning an afternoon outing, a weekend daytrip, or even a family summer vacation.  Internet searches or travel books at the library will get children interested in both local and exotic adventures while teaching them research skills.

 

• Have your child write to a friend or family member they don’t get to see much over the summer.  Not only will this keep them in touch with the special people in their lives, it will keep their reading and writingskills sharp.

 

• Read with your kids to learn about a new topic or activity that your family is interested in. In addition to family bonding, it will keep them reading and broaden all of your horizons.

 
Hopefully these suggestions will keep your kids engaged academically while they are away from the classroom, and also provide some fun for your entire family.  Above all, enjoy the fleeting summer season, and keep reading!