Just because school's out for summer doesn't mean reading is out. Books are the perfect end to a tiring day of outdoor activities. On a rainy day, books are great entertainment. The best part of summer reading? Kids can read purely for pleasure, without school interfering in their schedule. Children who read for pleasure are not only having fun; they are more likely to grow into academically and financially successful adults.
Parents can play an important role in nurturing a love of reading from an early age. Here are some tips for inspiring a love of books through the summer months:
It's easy! The TD Summer Reading Club is an annual reading program that inspires a love of reading by encouraging children across Canada to visit public libraries all summer long.
Check out the great books they are featuring for the 2013 TD Summer Reading Club!
Here are a few books my daughter can't wait to read:
Eye of The Crow: The Boy Sherlock Holmes, His First Case Watching Jimmy Hunchback Assignments Plain Kate Dragon Seer's Gift
By joining the club, kids receive activity kits, posters, and stickers with codes they can use on the website. My three kids have joined the club every summer, and couldn't wait to visit the library for more activities. What I loved about the club is that it got us excited about visiting the library regularly throughout the summer. My kids would browse the shelves, pick up a whole bunch of books, and meet other club members. Our library ran contests, readings, celebrations, quizzes, and crafts. Such a wonderful way for kids to pick new books and meet other readers their age! The website is an excellent resource for parents, providing book recommendations for every age, genre, and taste. Kids have fun on the site with jokes, scavenger hunts, and silly stories.
Last year alone, TD donated $4 million to children's literacy in Canada. More than 580,000 children participate in the TD summer reading club, collectively reading over 2.4 million books each summer. Children with vision loss also participate, in association with the CNIB. The program will kick off mid-June, and my kids can't wait to become members again!
Pack your favourite snacks and books, and don't forget a blanket and some cold drinks. It's such a treat to be outdoors, running, eating, and reading. We've even done this on our deck.
Kids are watching your behaviour, so make sure you practice what you preach. Let kids catch you reading a book often, and talk with them about what you're reading.
Summer is the one season when kids don't have to read what their teachers prescribe. Let them enjoy that freedom in order to foster a habit of reading for pleasure.
We tend to be out and about more often in the summer. You never know when you're going to get stuck in traffic, or when you're going to be waiting in a long line at the amusement park. Light-weight pocket books are the perfect antidote to frustration and boredom. Arm yourself with books, and your kids will be more likely to reap their benefits.
Happy Summer Reading!
Want to inspire a love of reading in your children?
Check out some great ideas and more stories by moms on our Get Kids Reading page.
And to find out more about TD’s Children Literacy initiatives visit tdreads.com.
This is proudly sponsored by our friends at TD Bank Group.
tdreads.com
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