{"id":2770,"date":"2025-05-27T16:49:57","date_gmt":"2025-05-27T16:49:57","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.americanboard.org\/blog\/?p=2770"},"modified":"2025-10-21T17:26:38","modified_gmt":"2025-10-21T17:26:38","slug":"encourage-summer-reading-at-home-parents-edition","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.americanboard.org\/blog\/encourage-summer-reading-at-home-parents-edition\/","title":{"rendered":"Encourage Summer Reading at Home: Parents Edition"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Summer offers a perfect opportunity for families to relax, recharge, and build strong habits. Without the chaos of the school year, kids can work on developing skills indepently\u2014like reading! When parents actively encourage summer reading, they help their children avoid the summer slide (the learning loss that happens between school years) and stay mentally engaged during the break. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Did you know? <\/strong>Reading fiction helps children develop empathy and understanding<\/a>, and of course the more a child reads, the more likely they are to experience academic success<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Here\u2019s how parents can encourage summer reading at home, making reading a fun and consistent part of your child\u2019s routine.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

For Younger Children<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

1. Make Reading Part of the Day<\/strong>
Set a regular time for reading\u2014after breakfast, before bed, or during quiet afternoon hours. Even just 15 minutes a day helps encourage summer reading and supports early literacy. For young children who aren’t reading on their own yet, having them look at books and identify images and storylines based on imagery still counts!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

2. Explore the Library Together<\/strong>
Local libraries often run free summer reading programs with prizes, themed events, and read-alouds. Public libraries are free to join, and most have eliminated late fees which can help ease some stress for parents. Let your child choose their own books to spark enthusiasm.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

3. Turn Everyday Moments Into Reading<\/strong>
Whether you\u2019re at the grocery store or making dinner, find ways to read signs, labels, and recipes together. Consider baking a sweet treat over the weekend and have your child read the recipe as you work together. These small moments help encourage summer reading in real-life settings.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

4. Pick Books That Engage the Senses<\/strong>
Interactive books with textures, flaps, or sounds keep young readers interested. Rhyming books and repetition also help children build vocabulary and confidence.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

For Older Kids<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

1. Create a Cozy Reading Space<\/strong>
A designated reading nook can make all the difference. Add some pillows, a light, and their favorite snacks to encourage summer reading in a comfortable environment.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

2. Match Books to Their Interests<\/strong>
Whether they love sports, animals, or adventure stories, choosing books that align with hobbies can keep older kids excited to read.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

3. Set Fun Challenges<\/strong>
Reading logs, bingo cards, or online trackers (like Scholastic\u2019s Summer Reading<\/a>) offer a playful way to encourage summer reading through goals and rewards.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

4. Reward Reading<\/strong>
If possible, tie summer reading to a small family trip. For example, a child interested in biology may enjoy a reward trip to the local botanic gardens after reading a book about plant species native to your state. A child interested in the culinary arts could enjoy a family cooking class after they complete two autobiographies by chefs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

5. Model the Habit<\/strong>
When kids see their parents reading for fun, they\u2019re more likely to do the same. Share what you’re reading and ask them about their books.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Bonus Tip:<\/strong> Sometimes the book is the problem, not the answer. If your older child is struggling to complete a certain book, offer a different book! It’s possible the original book wasn’t appealing to your child for any number of reasons, and a different book could spark their interests.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Your Summer Reading<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

When parents encourage summer reading, they\u2019re helping their children grow academically, emotionally, and creatively. It doesn\u2019t take a big investment\u2014just consistency, support, and a love for stories. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you\u2019re passionate about encouraging a love of reading beyond the walls of your home, consider becoming a teacher and inspiring the next generation of readers. You can do so, quickly and affordably, by visiting americanboard.org<\/a>. Your children will benefit by watching you set a goal, working for it, and launching a new career.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Parents Encourage Summer Reading: FAQs<\/h2>\n\n\n\n