Summertime Reading Ideas

About this time of year, kids are starting to think about the end of school and how their days will be spent sleeping in or at the beach. Or maybe that’s just me! Either way, one of the things not on their minds is reading. While it’s good to give the kids a break during the summer, it’s important to make sure they continue reading as a form fun.

The more creative you are with your children in getting them to read, the smoother this endeavor will become for the both of you!

Summertime Reading Ideas

Have them read about your vacation destination.

If you are traveling to a new destination or even to a familiar one, have your child do some research on the area. Get some books out of the library and have them fully participate in the history and culture of that area. Perhaps use this as an incentive to get them to read – have them pick a historical site or activity that they are interested in seeing.

Book Suggestions: Canada All Year, A Walk In London,  Off We Go To Mexico, Larry Gets Lost in Philadelphia, G is for Garden State

Encourage your child to go on a reading adventure.

Have them tie in their favorite type of adventure book with things to do over the summer. Do they love pirates? Have them live a pirate’s summer. Incorporate places that you eat, amusement parks that you visit, travel plans, and museums with that pirate theme. Children can get to read about their favorite adventures and live them, as well. It will also make for a memorable summer!

Keep an eye out for the weather.

If there is a summer storm heading your way, plan ahead. Go to the library, stock up on books, and have your child make up some invites. Invite some of your children’s friends over for a sleepover, have them build good old-fashioned tents out of sheets and blankets, go underneath with flashlights, and read! You could even incorporate a craft to go along with the books they are reading or even have a contest for whoever can recreate what they read as a storyteller.

Have a reading picnic.

Invite one or two of your child’s favorite friends for a picnic. Make a deal that after their picnic and playtime is over, they need to spend an hour quietly reading on the blanket and then you will treat them to an ice cream sundae!

Explore Series and Book Sets 

Series books have a special allure for young readers, as they allow for prolonged immersion in captivating storylines and character development. Introduce your child to popular series like Harry Potter, Percy Jackson, The Chronicles of Narnia, or the Magic Tree House. Encourage them to read the entire series or explore other books by the same author. Book sets offer a continuous reading experience that keeps kids eagerly turning pages.

Discover Classic Literature

Introduce your child to the timeless world of classic literature. Select age-appropriate classics such as The Secret Garden, Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland, Treasure Island, or The Adventures of Tom Sawyer. Classic literature exposes children to rich language, complex characters, and enduring themes. Consider reading these books together as a family and engaging in discussions about the story and its relevance.

Organize a Summer Book Club 

Gather a group of your child’s friends or neighbors and organize a summer book club. Select a book that everyone agrees upon and set a regular meeting schedule to discuss the chapters or share favorite passages. Book clubs foster a sense of community, promote reading comprehension, and encourage lively conversations about literature. Consider incorporating fun activities or snacks related to the book to make it an interactive and memorable experience.

Take Reading Outdoors 

Make the most of the summer weather by taking reading outdoors. Set up a cozy reading nook in the backyard, visit local parks or beaches for reading picnics, or simply enjoy a book under a shady tree. Encourage children to bring their books on family outings or vacations, fostering a habit of reading on the go. Reading outdoors adds a sense of adventure and makes reading a sensory experience.

This summer, help your child embark on extraordinary literary journeys through the power of books.  There are many creative ways to get your child to read. As long as you do not make it appear as though it is homework or a chore, they should be more than willing to cooperate. If you let them participate and choose how they want to incorporate reading into their summer without dictating, things should go smoothly.

The magic of books knows no bounds, and with these summertime reading ideas, your child will explore new worlds, unlock their imagination, and develop a love for stories that will stay with them forever.