| From Dr. Mary Rosen's blog Big Kid.
. . Keep Kids Reading This Summer --
Take Them
to the Library! School's out! Time to
take a break from the daily academic routine. For many children,
however, this means taking a break from reading and running the
risk of losing important reading skills. So how can parents keep
kids reading and learning all summer long? Take them to the
library!
Many local libraries host summer programs that encourage and
reward preschool and school-age children for summer reading.
Check out the library’s calendar for special summer
reading-related activities and events, such as crafts, movies,
special presentations and plays.
Whether parents engage their children in organized library
activities or simply let kids choose their own reading materials
from the library, children will be inclined to keep reading and
building important skills that could otherwise be lost during
the summer months.
Summer library visits offer a wide range of benefits for the
whole family. Here are just a few reasons (besides
air-conditioning) why families should incorporate regular trips
to the library into their summer plans.
Parental Perks
-
Going to the
library takes the guesswork (and pressure) out of choosing
books for kids. Librarians are available to assist parents
and guide children in their reading selections.
-
Library
visits give parents a chance to spend quality time with
their kids.
Benefits for Kids
-
Participating
in a summer reading program can be fun, rewarding, and
challenging.
-
When children
are given the opportunity to choose what they want to read,
they're more likely to enjoy reading and make it a habit.
-
Library
visits may give kids an opportunity to use computers,
research on the internet, and socialize with peers.
Something for Everyone: Teens, Too!
-
Some
libraries have summer reading programs just for teens, with
activities that appeal to their specific interests and
educational needs. Some activities include crafts, drawing
classes and movies.
-
Libraries
often recruit teens to volunteer in their youth summer
reading programs as helpers
for organized activities.
Bringing Families Together
-
The library
is a place the whole family can visit together.
-
Parents and
kids can check out books, or books-on-tape to take on family
vacations.
-
Older children may also want to read library books to
younger siblings
|