Summer Time READING Fun Ideas

As summer vacations became a reality across the United States, parents everywhere are faced with that popular refrain, "There’s nothing to do!" To help fill in the void, we've compiled a list of summer reading fun that can be adapted to kids of any age, will help keep school abilities sharp and focused, and the kids entertained and out of your hair!

1. SHOPS AHOY!

   Turn your local shopping trips into a refresher course for reading and mathematics!

   a. Have your kids read the grocery list and find items such as tomatoes, paper towels, cereal, detergent, etc.

   b. Help them read the aisle headings (such as Dairy, Automotive, Produce, etc.) and ask them what items they would expect to find there.

   c. You can also have them compare pricing: is 3 for a $1.00 a better deal than 2 for 75¢?

   d. Ask them to pick out items that begin with a specific letter - such as L for limes, licorice, lollipops, lettuce, etc. As a reward, you could let them pick out their favorite L item!

   e. Or if you are heading for the mall and back to school sales, the kids can help you compare the cost of tennis shoes or jeans. You can also use shopping to discuss the difference between a right and privilege. Is a pair of tennis shoes a right, or a privilege? Consider the same regarding a brand name, such as a pair of Nikes versus Keds, or the store brand versus Calvin Kleins. Their answers may surprise you!

2. SEE THE MOVIE! READ THE BOOK!

   Most children’s movies started out as a book. When you are taking them to see the latest summer blockbuster, visit your bookstore or library afterwards and look for the book. Disney’s new summer hit Mulan originally started out as Fa Mulan, a beautiful book by Robert D. San Souci with illustrations by Jean & Mou-Sien Tseng. Other choices could include a visit to your local theater or video store for:

   James and the Giant Peach, The Princess Bride, The Last Unicorn, The Witches, The Borrowers, Dr. Doolittle, Matilda, Babe, and many others.

3. CHECK OUT YOUR LOCAL LIBRARY FOR SUMMER READING GAMES

Many libraries have reading games with prizes for filling out a game board, reading so many books, etc. If your local library does not have such a program, you may want to suggest they do so, or even help to start one!

4. HAVE THEM LEARN A NEW HOBBY OR SKILL!

Books are available in a wide range of subjects suitable for any age! Find out what your child is interested in, such as learning to draw, magic tricks, using rubber stamps, origami, assembling model cars or performing science experiments. For the younger child, help them read the directions and supervise. Make sure the activity is within their ability range! This might be the perfect time to help them start a new hobby or learn about yours!