Summer Reading with Kids: Top Tips from Authors and Educators

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As a parent of a 9-year-old daughter and a passionate reader myself, I’ve always recognized the significance of making books a priority in our lives. However, I must confess that when our nightly ritual of reading three picture books together gradually faded, the overwhelmed “doing-it-all” mom in me felt a sense of relief. Now that my daughter often reads on her own, I’ve come to realize how much I miss our shared reading moments—a vital aspect of our bond. Books have been crucial in navigating tough topics, including the heartbreaking loss of her twin brother and our recent loss of a beloved pet, as well as fostering her self-compassion and dealing with social challenges.

This summer, I am determined to reestablish our connection through reading and to embrace the comfort that stories can provide as we confront life’s complexities. To reignite this shared experience, I reached out to parents who are also authors, educators, a librarian, a grief specialist, a pediatrician, and others who engage with children through reading. Here’s what they shared:

Prioritize Stories as “Good Medicine”

Liam Thompson, a former pediatrician and bestselling author of the popular “Adventures in Wonderland” series, states, “During my practice, I would often prescribe reading. It’s not just beneficial for literacy and academic success; it strengthens family bonds and fosters a love for storytelling.”

Prepare Young Listeners

Natasha Lin, a preschool music educator and author, suggests, “Before reading, prepare little ones by highlighting what to listen for. In my book, ‘Dancing Butterflies,’ I introduce themes of friendship and the life cycle of butterflies. Encouraging them to observe illustrations can make reading interactive and enjoyable.”

Let Them Choose + Make Reading Fun

Emma Carter, author of “The Magic of Everyday Life,” emphasizes the importance of choice. “Engage kids by allowing them to pick books, use different voices for characters, and even create plot twists together. Reading should be an adventure!”

Deepen Comprehension

Mark Johnson, a first-grade teacher and author of “Smart Readers,” notes, “Reading doesn’t always mean they read aloud. You can read to them and ask thought-provoking questions to enhance comprehension, such as ‘What does this remind you of?’ or ‘What do you think the author intended?’”

Explore Difficult Topics

James Robinson, who has worked with grieving families for years, shares, “Books are a powerful way to explore sensitive subjects, such as death. They create a safe space for conversations that children will need to have as they face loss in their own lives.”

Cultivate Individual Interests

Librarian Sarah Miller advises, “Find books that align with your child’s interests. If they’re fascinated by dinosaurs, dive into that genre together. Also, let them see you reading for pleasure—it sets a strong example.”

Help Your Child See Themselves in Stories

Liam Thompson also emphasizes representation: “As a child, I rarely saw characters who reflected my identity. It’s crucial for kids to see themselves as heroes in stories, which can boost their self-esteem and sense of belonging.”

Invest in a Series

Julia Rodriguez, author of “Saving Together,” loves reading series with her kids. “It creates a sense of continuity and excitement, making it easier to engage, even when you’re tired.”

Embrace Nostalgia

Reflecting on personal experiences can enhance reading time. I remember the joy of listening to stories at camp, captivated by the tales. I want to instill that same eagerness in my daughter, fostering a lifelong love of reading.

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In summary, rekindling a passion for reading with your children can have profound benefits, from fostering emotional connections to enhancing comprehension and engagement. By prioritizing shared stories, allowing choices, exploring interests, and addressing challenging topics, you can create a nurturing environment that promotes a lifelong love of reading.

Keyphrase: summer reading with kids

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