Be a reader and writer yourself. When you spend time reading books during your free time or even reading directions for how to put together the grill this summer, you demonstrate for your child that reading is both fun and useful.
Set aside a consistent time each day for reading. Depending on your family's schedule reading time might be in the morning, afternoon, or before bed. Whatever time you choose, stick to it, but also remember that flexibiliy around trips and special family events is OK.
Read aloud to your reader. As school-aged children become better readers, parents often stop reading aloud to them. However, by reading more difficult books aloud to your reader, you help him learn new vocabulary words, concepts and ways of telling stories or presenting informaiton. You also enjoy the closeness of sharing a book with your child.
Connect read-aloud choices to summer activities. Read your child books about camping, such as Webster and Arnold Go Camping, before or after a camping trip. When you read and discuss books about things your child has experienced, you help her learn important vocabulary and extend her understanding of experiences.
Take books along on outings. Pack books in your beach bag or picnic basket, and bring a stack on long car rides. You and your child can enjoy books together anywhere you go this summer.
Encourage your child to write this summer. From writing postcards to friends and relatives to keeping a journal while on a trip, summer presents unique ways for your child to write about his own experiences. Have your child pack a disposable camera on vacations or day trips and ehp him create a book about his experiences.
