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"If you don’t use it, you lose it."
The well known phrase "if you don’t use it, you lose it" proves true for children who spend a summer without books and reading. Summer is a time away from formal schooling, but should not be a vacation from enhancing our child’s language and vocabulary development. For children with a language delay, the set back can be even more significant on his/her academic achievements. It is easy to foster language development through hands on experiences and through the world of books. When children have the opportunity to listen to, discuss and read a book on topics they select, they will develop extensive background information which can serve as a platform from which to engage in their own independent reading. Children who enjoy reading will read more and become proficient at the same time.
Tips to encourage children to read and write over the summer
1.Take books along on outings. Pack books in your beach bag or picnic basket and bring a stack on long car rides. You and your child can enjoy books together anywhere you go this summer.
2. Encourage your child to write this summer. From wiring postcards to friends and relatives to keeping a journal while on a trip, summer presents unique ways for your child to write about his own experiences. Have your child pack a disposable camera on vacations or day trips and help him create a book about his experiences.
3. Connect read-aloud choices to summer activities. Read your child books about camping, such as Webster and Arnold Go Camping, before or after a camping trip. When you read and discuss books about things your child has experienced, you help her learn important vocabulary and extend her understanding of experiences.
4. Read aloud to your reader. As school-aged children become better readers, parents often stop reading aloud to them. However, by reading more difficult books aloud to your reader, you help him learn new vocabulary words, concepts and ways of telling stories or presenting information. You also enjoy the closeness of sharing a book with your child.
5. Set aside a consistent time each day for reading. Depending on your family's schedule reading time might be in the morning, afternoon, or before bed. Whatever time you choose, stick to it, but also remember that flexibility around trips and special family events is OK.
6. Be a reader and writer yourself. When you spend time reading books during your free time or even reading directions for how to put together the grill this summer, you demonstrate for your child that reading is both fun and useful.
Karen Knopf
Educational Consultant