Summer Reading Revisited

       This is a story we had published recently in the Radford News Journal, in Radford, Virginia, and, therefore, it is geared toward local school systems. Please feel free to use it and modify dates, cities, etc. for your school or district. The article relates to revisiting summer reading, but the concepts could be used for motivating reading throughout the year. Please feel free to use the content either way!      ~Steve Frey, Frey Educational Associates

Summer Reading Revisited

     School starts August 17th in Radford. Hmmm...was that a quiet parental sigh heard throughout the city?  It will be here before you know it, but there are several weeks left before the end of summer, so now would be a great time to check-in on how your child's summer reading is going!
     Your child loves to read, right? You always see him relaxing with a good book, right?  If not, here are some ideas to get reading. First, though, it's great to review some research. One study found that with 116 first, second, and third graders in a school in a middle class neighborhood, the decoding skills of nearly 45% of the participants and the fluency skills of 25% declined between May and September.    Everyone is aware of the summer reading regression syndrome.  It's sort of like basketball free throws or tennis serves---if you don't practice, you're going to lose some of your ability. 
     I bet you heard someone say, "Have your child read at least 20 minutes every day at home." Yes, probably every teacher and principal you have worked with has sent home that reminder or said those very words at a Back to School Night. The facts are clear: children who read regularly  are practicing their skills, are becoming more fluent, are building vocabulary, are developing a great reading habit, and, most importantly, having fun.
     Okay, so how do you get your child reading so these last few weeks are the most productive? First, read yourself. When your children see you reading, they see you value it and enjoy it, and they may want to read because, "It's what we do!" 
     If you have young children, read to them and with them. If they are pre-school or in the early grade levels, read stories to your children every day. As children get older and begin reading themselves, take turns reading pages or let your child read to you. Not only are you having fun reading, but you're spending quality time together. 
     Make a habit of visiting the library in Radford. It has a great collection of books for all ages, plus, when you visit, check out the other activities taking place. Storytime is always a fun activity. Let them pick out books and use librarian suggestions.
     Try a road trip!  Did you know that you can get a library card that will not only work in Radford, but also in Montgomery, Pulaski, and Floyd libraries. Explore the collections in these libraries, also. You can pick up different books yourself! Make it a fun little day trip!
     Limit the television and video games and have other reading materials available. Educational games, Apps, or stories on the computer are good and technology such as a Kindle, Ipad, or Nook might be a great way to get that reluctant reader into a story. Make sure technology is supporting reading.
     Remember, nonfiction materials are sometimes more interesting to children than fiction. Make sure you have a mix. Find books and magazines and even newspaper stories that relate to your children's interests. If they like sports, have sports materials available. If they like Minecraft, princesses, gardening, horses, hunting, well, you get the picture, get them books in these areas.  Feed their interests!
     Talk about stories. Ask what they are reading and talk about the characters or the plot. Have those "Atticus Finch moments" when you talk about reading and books and read together. Build vocabulary by talking about current events, events from the past, or your own interests. Use the actual terminology. Children are able to learn and retain an amazing vocabulary.
     Visit book stores. Allow your children to buy books or buy books for them at yard sales. Check out books at flea markets. Get a book or two for birthdays, holidays, and special events. The idea is to have books available throughout your home---yes, even in the bathroom. 
     Have your children become pen pals with grandparents, cousins, friends who have moved away, or anyone else.  Writing back and forth is not only a fun reading activity, but also great writing practice and a way to keep vocabulary sharp.
     Read a story before bed each evening. This becomes an enjoyable routine that your children will love to do with you. With older children, tell them they can keep the light on for an extra period of time for reading only.
     Finally, make this all fun. Make it a natural part of life for your children. The nice part about these activities is that they can carry over to the school year and become regular activies. The goal is for your children to develop a love of reading and to become lifelong readers. The best time to start is now!