3 Essentials to Get Kids Reading Over the Summer

3 Essentials to Get Kids Reading Over the Summer by Melissa Taylor Summertime is almost upon us. It is important that your child continues to read over the summer-even if it is just for a few minutes each day. I found this article that I hope you find interesting and that gives you some good ideas about how to keep your child reading over the summer. from:(http://imaginationsoup.net/2013/06/3-essentials-to-get-kids-reading-over-the-summer/) “Mom, I don’t have anything to do. I’m bored,” whines my child. Again. (As if anything I’m going to tell her do, she’ll do, ’cause we all know that ain’t happening.) Generally, I tell her the same thing every time she whines: “Read a book. Books beat boredom.” (Yes, I stole it from a Mo Willems book. Do you know which one?) Or, I’ll say, “That’s fantastic news! Boredom is an opportunity for creativity.” Which gets a groan and an eye-rolled, “Mommmmmm” response. Both my kids think I’m nuts. (mwhahahahahaaaa . . . little do they know!) Most summers, it’s my job as mom to turn into an inspired sales genius with one goal in mind – to sell reading so my kids get into good reading habits. Goal: My kids choose a book on their own and sit down to read for hours. Or at least 30 minutes. My “Books Are Cool” Sales Process 1. Book-palooza!! Kids Need to Pick Out Books. Yesterday, we set a new money-spent-record at the bookstore. Gulp. I shouldn’t even tell you but it was well over $300. There’s something magical about mom taking you to the bookstore where you can pick all the books you want to read. (Magically expensive. But worth it.) Of course we do visit the library weekly, and it’s much more economical. 2. Cozy Reading Space. Kids LOVE a Cozy Book Nook. This doesn’t have to be fancy but it does need to involve the kids. Find a corner – those work best. Let your child add pillows, lamps, books, stuffed animals, a headlamp or flashlight, and create a special space. In my next post, I’ll give you more details on how to make an enticing book nook with help from Pottery Barn Kids. 3. Down Time. Kids Need Margins Just Like We Do. We all need unscheduled time to rest and relax. Kids especially. Remember to make time during the day for rest and reading. What If They Don’t Like Any Books? Kids need books they’re interested in. Sometimes it’s a challenge to find one or ten books your kids want to read. Which is why I love reviewing and sharing good books. See if any of these lists will keep you in good books this summer. Time, Space, and Books.