While swimming, camping, hiking, and going to the park are some of the best activities kids can do in the summertime, reading can also be included in the list of fun activities that can be done in June, July, and August.
Now I know that some kids don’t equate reading with entertainment and will therefore balk at the thought of opening a book. There are, however, some ways you can make reading fun for these kids.
Below I have a list of 15 things you can do to make reading more interesting during the summer months (and other times of the year). Before you delve into these, remember that first and foremost, you should let your kids choose books they are interested in. One of the biggest motivating factors for reading is CHOICE. When kids are given the opportunity to read books that fascinate them, they are more likely to want to go back and find MORE books that do the same. So keep that in mind.
15 Ways to Make Reading Fun
- Set up a reading nook. This can be a tent, fort, canopy, tree house, special couch, pile of pillows, or anything that will make a cozy, quiet environment.
- Bring books to the beach or park. When your kids need a break from running around, they can read.
- Go to the library…a lot. Libraries have air conditioning. Libraries have comfy chairs. Best of all, libraries have lots of books! Plus, going to the library will give your kids a chance to find out what types of books they like.
- Sign up for summer reading programs. They often have rewards for the number of books or pages read.
- Let your kids dress up as their favorite story book characters while they read. Alice in Wonderland, Laura Ingalls Wilder, Bilbo Baggins, and the Cat in the Hat are some examples of fun characters your kids can dress up as.
- Bring books when you travel. Kids can take time to relax and read in the car, at national parks, in hotel rooms, or wherever you go when you travel.
- Let your kids read in unusual places around your home. They can read in the garage, under the kitchen table, behind the couch, on the steps, in a tent, in the car, in the closet, or any other wacky place your (or they) can think of.
- Have a book sharing time. Your kids can tell you about the books they’re reading. They can discuss what they like or don’t like, what they think could be different, what is exciting or boring about the book, and more. Showing an interest in the books they are reading will make them want to read more.
- Let your kids read to a family pet. Kids will think it’s fun to read to your dog or cat.
- Let your kids read to a stuffed animal. If you don’t have a pet or are looking for another fun activity, try letting your kids read to their favorite stuffed animal or other toy.
- Make or buy special reading hats. These are hats that can be reserved just for reading if you like.
- Have a themed party based on a book or author. Make party favors, do fun activities, and make food that go with a favorite book or author.
- Have a reading picnic. Bring books and lunch and relax in the sun.
- Let your kids act out parts of a story. This can make the story they are reading more exciting.
- Do Reader’s Theater. This easy-to-put-together form of drama is a fun way to get kids reading aloud in groups.
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Many blessings,
