We've all heard it a thousand times -- READ, READ, READ over break! While the saying may cause some students to roll their eyes, the recommendation is valid. Reading is so much more than the stories within the pages. It makes our students stronger writers, increases their vocabulary and their general understanding of the world they live in. All of this in turn improves their confidence.
It is easy to tuck backpacks in the closet and forget about school for a while. Maybe your family even has the goal to keep up reading skills over break and it's not going as planned (we have all been there), or your child is just taking a break and then will "get back to it soon." But the hard truth is, summer unfairly goes by in a blink! It's already July and it feels like spring semester just ended.
The great news is, if you have not already, it is not too late to make a reading plan today with your child. And the even more awesome part is that the task itself doesn't have to be elaborate. You can avoid that summer slump and help your student feel more ready for the start of school this fall. Starting a simple habit now for reading, even just a few dedicated minutes a day, sets them up for a lifetime of success in learning. In addition, having a tutor who will help guide these skills is a great way to stay on top of your reading plan and also have another encourager for your student.
Here are a few tips for successful summer reading.
Make a schedule ON the calendar for reading goals. For most of us, if it is not written down or typed in our phone, it simply gets forgotten. This exercise is also great executive function skill practice for your child as it allows them to see your expectations and "due dates" for their reading. Make them part of the planning process in whatever format works for your family (paper calendar, electronic device and organizational apps). Include check-in days with their tutor on the schedule to ensure they are truly comprehending material.
Encourage reading time every SINGLE day. Even if it's only 15 minutes some busier days and an hour another, fitting in that quiet time is important and it DOES pay off long term. Knowing what time of day your child is most focused also helps. If morning is best for them, set aside some time to read and then they can spend the rest of the day doing more exciting activities.
If possible, let your student select the books they wish to read. For very young students, going to the library can be a mini adventure. For older school-age students, teachers provide reading material or suggested books as a starting point, but if there is a book that has peaked their personal interest, why not download it to the tablet too?!
Read along with your child. This is even great for older students too as the world of social media and television can be so much more enticing than the thought of being glued to a book. Take a copy of your teenager's chosen novel to the beach and read alongside for a little bit each day. Watch a corresponding movie together after you've finished. They will see your words in action while also getting to do a one-on-one activity together.
Reward those met goals! This can be something simple like ice cream with a friend, or an inexpensive reward, like extra phone time for your teenager. You know what motivates your student! If your child sticks to reading throughout the summer -- please celebrate together. You both deserve it!
We hope your family enjoys this summer together! If your student needs support with their reading comprehension skills or wishes to get ahead of their studies, we have an amazing team ready to support your child's academic needs. Contact us today for more details about our program!
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