Summer reading tips

How's your summer going?

Have the kids been reading? It's mid-summer; now's the time to encourage them to pick up a book. You know the research - kids who don't read during the summer experience a big slip when they get back to school in September. Let's make sure that doesn't happen this year.

The kids have done some camp, they've done some cottage, they've done some staying up late and watching extra TV, going to movies. C'mon, it's time to get those kids reading.

In many libraries, you can sign your children up for a summer reading program. You child gets a big poster for his wall, and every time he reads a book the librarian gives him a sticker.

The wonderful part for you is that you get to overhear him telling the librarian about the book he's read. Or, since my son didn't want to tell the librarian, he told me - outlined the entire plot of The Wizard of Oz the whole way to the library. It was a special moment that I'll remember for a long time.

So c'mon - no excuses! Turn off the TV. Let them get mad at you. And then let them stumble across the pile of interesting books you've just happened to put on their bed.

For some excellent summer reading tips, take a look at this article.

And here's information about the Toronto library's summer reading program. You don't even need a library card to sign up - just walk in. And you get a great booklet with games, mazes and stories.

I know they'd rather be playing on the Wii. I know they're going to be mad at you (at first). But it's time. It's tiiiiime. Check the categories on this blog for fun activities and books that will make reading less like punishment and more like fun. Like, maybe you can read Charlie and the Chocolate Factory together and then watch the movie? That's fun!