Whether you have book-loving kids at home or not, it would be wonderful to create an environment of reading in your home this summer. There is so much to gain from building a love for reading. One of the greatest reasons is to gain knowledge. Knowledge can do wonders in your life because it is in knowing that you can appreciate, experience, and enjoy the things that you come across. This is why we need to encourage reading as an enjoyable hobby.
How can you make reading fun and different this summer? I’m offering FIVE ways. Read on.
#1 Create a Cozy Reading Nook
Transform a corner of your home into a cozy reading nook that sparks your child’s imagination. Add soft pillows, blankets, and shelves filled with captivating books. Involve your children in decorating the area so they get excited about it. Make it a place that is a magical escape from the rest of the home, giving them a reason to get away for reading time. This is a fun and creative project that you and your child can enjoy together.
#2 Participate in Reading Challenges
Engage your child in reading challenges or set achievable reading goals for the summer. For younger readers, consider picture books or early chapter books. For older readers, encourage them to explore different genres or try out books from new authors. Kids love participating in events when prizes and rewards are involved, so explain the programs and excite them. Set aside dedicated reading time each day, and let your child choose their books based on their interests while also encouraging them to try out new books, authors, genres, etc.
Check out these summer reading programs for some additional ideas.
#3 Book Bucks or Book Cash
Introduce a “Book Bucks” system where children earn a certain amount of “book bucks” for each book they read. For example, they could earn 1 book buck for a picture book, 2 for an early chapter book, and 3 for a novel. These book bucks can be redeemed for various rewards, such as extra screen time, a special outing, a new book of their choice, or a favorite treat. If Book Bucks sounds like too much work, reward them with a set amount of money for each book they read, and plan a shopping trip at the end of the summer to cash in and buy whatever they like. My kids chose to do book cash this summer so we will be offering a couple of dollars for each book they read ($1-$5 depending on the size and level of the book).
#4 Book Clubs or Book Party
If you have other friends participating in various other summer reading programs, arrange for a fun get-together where they can all bring their favorite books and share them with others (without pressure). Make it fun; bring out the snacks, watch a movie that was first a book, play games, and give them some community reading time in your reading nook corner. This is a great opportunity for your child to share their love of reading with others and create lasting memories.
#5 Themed Book-to-Movie Night
Take your kids’ reading experience to the next level by organizing a themed book-to-movie night during the summer. Here are some exciting ideas to make it an unforgettable event:
- Choose the Perfect Book: Select a book adapted into a movie, ensuring it aligns with your kids’ interests and age appropriateness.
- Set the Scene: Transform your living room into a movie theater ambiance. Dim the lights, bring out cozy blankets and pillows, and set up a popcorn station with various toppings and snacks. Encourage your kids to dress up as their favorite characters from the book. Let their imagination run wild as they step into the shoes of their beloved literary heroes.
- Decorate with the Theme: Enhance the atmosphere by decorating your space to match the book’s theme.
- Invite Friends and Family: Extend the invitation to friends or family members who have also read the book or watched the movie. It adds to the excitement and creates a shared experience.
- Follow-Up Discussions: Gather everyone to discuss the book versus the movie. If you are up for it, plan trivia questions, and hand out prices.
Final thoughts
Remember, the key to a memorable summer with your children is doing activities that bring you joy. Don’t feel obligated to create picture-perfect moments, but rather focus on what truly makes you and your children happy. Have open discussions, brainstorm new ideas, and choose activities that will create lasting memories. The ultimate goal is to encourage more reading by providing unique and meaningful experiences for everyone involved. So, keep it simple, follow your interests, and enjoy the journey together. I encourage you to try out these strategies and see the positive impact they can have on your child’s reading habits. Happy reading!
