As a teacher, I always used to send out reading homework, lots of books and expect parents to keep reading with their children over the summer.
Then I became a parent myself and I’m experiencing my first summer holiday with a child at Primary School.
The reality isn’t quite so easy. I’ll be honest we haven’t read a single schoolbook in the last 3 weeks.
However, our reading and learning over the summer has taken a different path, and one that I still think is extremely beneficial.
Different ways of ‘reading’
The summer holidays cause us to be completely out of routine. My husband and I both work in education and have the 6 weeks away from teaching but there’s still lots of work to be done. We’re busy doing new and exciting activities with our children, we’re having chilled days at home with more screen time than normal, we’re juggling work and childcare whilst also trying to find some time to relax ourselves. Does this sound familiar?
I had a conversation with a friend the other day who said, “I don’t read books, I’m an audio books kind of person.” My response was that is still reading. It doesn’t matter what, where or how you read and consume books, the important thing is that you do!
During the holidays, reading with our children can look different. Instead of reading their schoolbooks, children can read maps, newspapers, signage and leaflets that you find when you’re out and about.
We still maintain our nightly routine of reading to the girl before going to bed. Even when we were on holiday we still did this as its so ingrained into our routine and we find it the best way to relax and connect with our children before going to bed.
But it’s ok to break away from more structured reading times at other points in the day. Instead you can use books in other ways.
Check out these 3 Top Tips for sparking joy in reading this summer:
Use Books to Inspire Play:
- Try setting up a role-play shop inspired by the book ‘Supermarket Zoo’ or create a tea party similar to ‘The Tiger Who Came to Tea’. You don’t need lot’s of fancy toys or props, just bring together what you have, use every day items like plates and bowls and begin!
- Head outdoors and take books with you! Reading outside is a great way to engage children in books because it’s different and exciting from what they may be used to. Set up a Teddy Bears picnic in your garden or at the park and read stories with your little one’s favourite cuddly toys.
- Visit your local Library and take part in their summer reading challenge. Local library’s often have a fantastic range of books. Choose books that appeal to your child’s current interests. So if they love dragons or dinosaurs see if you can find a book all about them or that feature as a character. Chat to the librarian too as they can always recommend good books.
We have done all three of these activities this summer, so even though we haven’t read the schoolbooks yet, we have still been exposing our children to books in amongst the fun of the summer holidays. And as we start to ease out of holiday mode, the more structure reading time will resume and we will get those schoolbooks read!
Why is it important to expose our children to books and reading?
Reading to children Under 5 is extremely beneficial for so many reasons:
1. Boosts Brain Power: Stimulates cognitive development.
2. Language Launchpad: Expands vocabulary and comprehension.
3. Bonding Time: Strengthens parent-child connection.
4. Imagination Igniter: Sparks creativity and curiosity.
5. Emotion Explorer: Teaches empathy and understanding.
6. Routine Builder: Encourages consistent habits.
7. School-Ready: Prepares for academic success.
So whatever you’re reading path looks like this summer, take the pressure off, enjoy books in some capacity with your little one and remember that reading can take many different forms.
If you would like to find out 2 more top tips for sparking joy in reading this summer along with a number of help tips and tricks, download our free guide ‘Shaping a Summer of Reading’ which can be found in the ‘parents’ section of our website: www.littlestoryshapers.co.uk