How to Keep Children Reading over the Holidays

Kids eagerly anticipate the holidays as a period for relaxation and embracing a more leisurely lifestyle. Nonetheless, this break can harm their reading skills, commonly known as the "holiday slide." This term refers to the decline in reading proficiency that often occurs when reading is neglected during the break.

To counter this trend, parents should motivate their children to continue reading even amidst the holiday fun.

Tips for Sustaining Kids' Reading Habits

Firstly, parents can inject fun into reading time by adopting amusing voices, incorporating humorous books to captivate reluctant readers, and aiming for concise sessions of no more than ten minutes of shared reading.

Secondly, throughout the holidays, parents can regularly take their children to bookstores and the local library. This practice can foster a love for reading, as many bookstores and libraries offer popular children's books for less than $10. Additionally, numerous public libraries allow children to borrow up to twenty books for their holiday and summer reading, free of charge.

Thirdly, empowering children to select their reading materials is a crucial aspect of the reading journey. Parents should encourage children to choose their books, as this fosters the development of strong, independent readers.

Fourthly, parents can integrate a screen-free night into their family routine. During this time, each family member suggests book recommendations and takes turns reading aloud. This not only promotes a love for reading among children but also underscores the value, enjoyment, and fun of reading by witnessing their parents engage with books.

Fifthly, consider giving books as gifts for birthdays and Christmas. More books in the household can never be amiss, and parents can encourage their children to share and exchange books with friends after they've finished reading them.

Lastly, when reading together, provide children with options on how they'd like to engage with the material. Allow them to choose whether to read aloud or silently and inquire if they prefer to discuss the content or attempt paired reading if they seek additional support with the material.

Adding Fun to the Reading Experience

To enhance the reading experience, encourage children to maintain a reading journal. In this journal, they can jot down their thoughts on the books they read, create illustrations, or even compile a collage of challenging words using just one word. This not only keeps children actively involved and interested in reading but also contributes to the improvement of their writing skills.

Additionally, parents and teachers can foster a love for reading by reading books together as a family. This not only creates valuable bonding moments but also nurtures a reading habit in children.

Parents can explore more engaging ideas by introducing a holiday reading challenge. In this challenge, children in specific age groups are provided with a list of books to choose from and read within a designated timeframe. Completing the holiday reading challenge can be rewarded with incentives such as a trip to the bookstore or a visit to a favourite restaurant.

Engaging with Local Community Literary Activities

During the holiday season, explore nearby community events that celebrate and encourage reading. Numerous towns and cities host festive literary gatherings, book fairs, or storytelling sessions, creating an opportunity to elevate your child's reading adventure. Attending such events can introduce them to new authors, involve them in book-related activities, and provide a chance to connect with like-minded peers. These gatherings cultivate a lively literary ambience, reinforcing the notion that reading is not just an individual pursuit but a shared passion capable of bringing communities together. By involving your child's teacher in these enriching experiences, you not only nurture a love for reading but also instil a sense of belonging in the broader realm of literature.

Setting Reading Targets for the School Break

Transforming reading into an enriching challenge, especially for older children, involves establishing clear and attainable reading goals. Tailor a list of books to their interests or explore new genres together. Define manageable milestones and celebrate their achievements with modest rewards, such as a special treat or an outing to the local library. This approach not only encourages continuous reading but also nurtures a sense of accomplishment.

In addition to these activities and shared summer reading, consider engaging your child in a book club or a reading community. Numerous online platforms offer virtual book clubs for kids, providing a space for them to explore and discuss their favourite books and magazines with peers. This not only enhances their reading comprehension and critical thinking skills but also encourages them to share their love for literature and storytelling with others.

Remember, the key is to infuse enjoyment into reading and seamlessly integrate it into the holiday season. By incorporating these imaginative strategies, you'll not only maintain your children's interest in reading during the holidays but also cultivate a lasting love for books and learning.

Mrs Sue Zweck, Head of Learning K-5