Summertime=FUN! As it should! But did you know that if your child doesn’t read throughout the summer, they can lose some reading skill. “If you don’t use it, you lose it”. So here are some easy, peasy tips to help keep the reading love alive this summer!
1. This is my most favorite tip! Moms take full advantage of our Waco/Hewitt public libraries. They offer so much goodness year round, but especially during summer. And for FREE (hello higher grocery bill). Your child can join the reading club and also participate in all of their programs they host throughout the week. So far my children have seen science shows, listened to bilingual story time, seen a Jack and The Bean Stock show, made slime, and so much more! Also, while your there ABC mouse is FREE for anyone with a Waco library card. Which is a great educational tool and make sure to take a set of headphones to help hear instructions. Here is the link to their event calendar and website:
- http://calendar.wacolibrary.org/calendar/events/?cid=5651&t=m&d=0000-00-00&cal=5651
- http://www.cityofhewitt.com/32/Library
2. Lead by example momma! Yes we have busy lives, but that makes it even better to set 20 minutes aside for some self-growth, mystery, romance, comedy, true-crime goodness! When your littles see you enjoying some reading time, it may encourage them to love it also. Set some time aside each day to read and unplug from electronics. Doesn’t have to be long, even 20 minutes will make a difference.
3. Road trips! I know the go to tool in keeping kids calm on the road is electronics. But remember how much fun it would be as a child to look out the window and see a new city. Try to encourage this by setting time boundaries for devices and having the kids open up a book or look out the window. You can even make a game out of it! Have kiddos try naming a business that starts with each letter of the alphabet!
So there it is! Three easy, peasy steps to keep reading strong. I’ll end this blog with one of my favorite quotes:
“The more that you read, the more things you will know. The more that you learn, the more places you’ll go.” – Dr. Seuss
