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Miami/Orlando Child/School Psychologist: Should My Child Read Over the Summer?

June 23rd, 2015

Summer is officially in full swing. Days are filled with swimming, summer camp, playing outside, vacations and other activities that are considered commonplace over summer breaks. Is reading one of those activities for your family?

photo_33088_20140802Although reading is likely not the first thought that comes to a parent’s mind when thinking about their child’s summer break, it can easily be embedded into their everyday activities. Not only can it be a fun activity, it is encouraged that children continue to participate in educational activities throughout the summer in order to avoid what is commonly referred to as the “summer slide.” According to the US Department of Education, the summer slide is the regression in learning that occurs over the summer.

There are numerous ways to continue your child’s education throughout the summer and continue to provide opportunities for reading. Nemours provides the following activities to encourage your young child to continue reading and exploring during the summer:

  • Visit your local library. Libraries not only have books for your child to check out, but many offer programs throughout the summer to help your child avoid the summer slide.
  • Read on the road. Make sure that your child has a stock of books to read on long car trips. If your child has difficulty reading in a moving vehicle, your family can listen to audiobooks and discuss them as your trip progresses.
  • Make your own books. Let your child be the author or illustrator in a book about your favorite summer activities.
  • Keep in touch. Have your child send emails, postcards, or letters to family and friends over the summer to tell them all about their summer activities.
  • Keep up the reading rituals. Although it is summer, this doesn’t mean that your family’s reading rituals that are utilized during the school year need to end. Read daily with your child.

Young children are not the only age group that deal with the summer slide, however. The US Department of Education recommends the following tips for creating a strong summer high school aged reader:

  • High school students are often beginning to focus on college plans. Libraries can be excellent places to find books with practice problems in reading, math, and science that help your child continue to build their academic skills over the summer.
  • Volunteering can be educational and beneficial for your child over the summer. Libraries can provide great opportunities for volunteer work.

Additional tips for building your child’s reading skills during the summer and combatting the summer slide can be found at Just Read Florida!

At Monica Oganes & Associates, our team promotes continued educational activities over the summer. We provide the opportunity for Summer Tutoring for your child. For more information about improving your child’s academic achievement, please contact us.

 

Photo Credit: Freerange Stock

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