You may have noticed we are really into Summer Reading around here…

But in the dog days of summer, with camp, swimming pools and family vacations, keeping kids reading can be tough! So how can you make sure reading stays top of mind?

The most obvious answer is, of course, bring books along! That means books for you too. Whether on a family trip, pool or beachside wander or quick 2 day visit to Grandmas, make sure you take time out for reading. There is nothing more important to establishing your child’s love of reading then modeling it yourself. And when you take 5 to take in a chapter, invite your little one to read too.

But what if turning the pages isn’t an option, like on a road trip? Here are a few ways to keep reading skills sharp:

• Have your child read informational signs to you. There’s a double benefit if they are ‘safety’ signs. You are not only keeping reading skills sharp with that ‘Lifeguard on Duty from 9am-6pm. No Diving in shallow end’ sign but also re-enforcing where and when its safe to swim.
• Signs don’t necessarily need to say ‘NO’…also read them on the GO! Roadsigns not only teach geography but also can put even the most skilled phonics expert to a test. Maybe even create a list of the silliest sounding places you passed along the way?
• Know before you go! If you are going away, have your child do some research on where you are going beforehand and let them help to pick places to visit.
• Recap the action! Pick up brochures at each stop along the way and when you get home, (or even on the trip back,) make a top 10 list.

And of course there are loads of other opportunities to get your kid reading this summer and keep those skills sharp…summer recipes (if you need one, my Mom makes a great watermelon-mint salad), craft instructions, the box of the lawn sprinkler/emergency heat relief device, ice cream flavors (do not accept ‘the pink kind’…make them read the name), ride height requirements, restaurant menus and of course, making sure they read at least 4 books!

Have you come up with any creative ways to keep your kids reading?