1. Let them read what they are interested in---There are some great books out their about a myriad of subjects Trucks, Monsters, Dinosaurs, Space, the human body. Interests will change, so look for the right book for the right moment and keep your child's current interests in mind when suggesting books. We went through phases where we read every book in the library about lizards, then moved on to wizards and magic and even spent a month or two on rodents. As your child gets older try learning about World War II and the Holocaust together. My daughter studied the holocaust in fifth grade and read every young adult book she could find on the subject including Diary of Anne Frank, Number the Stars and The Hiding Place. We were traveling to Washington DC that year and seeing the breath taking Holocaust museum there meant so much more to her because of her reading. We have learned all about the Titanic--what it looked like, who was aboard and why they think it sank. Egyptian mummies are fascinating and there are great books to explore ruins and artifacts. I highly recommend the DK line of books about just about any topic you might like.
2. Engage your kids in a little competition to keep them reading. Explore your local libraries summer reading programs. Many times there are great incentives and fun activities to promote reading often at little or no charge. Keep track of books or pages read (depending on age and reading level) by adding dots to the back of a paper ladybug or stickers to a chart. Learn when story times are and make it a weekly event to attend. It is a great routine to get in to check out a new pile of books every week.
3. Be an example let your child observe you reading for pleasure or leave books around the house. Have home libraries that are available to all readers. Browse bookstores when you are on vacation. Bring your child to an author visit or a book signing at a library or bookstore.
4. Read aloud to your child, even when they are readers on their own. Take turns reading parts and read stories that interest you. Use voices, inflection and emotion when you read. Encourage your child to do the same. Encourage them to read to you and share the stories and topics that they enjoy with other family members. Having an older sibling read to a younger one encourages a positive relationship and example.
5. Look for children's books that amuse you or stories that engage you. Share your interests with your child. When you are choosing books, choose titles you enjoy because you will be reading favorites again and again. Let their favorites be your favorites.
6. Use technology as a friend. When we would take a road trip, I would purchase or check out a great story on tape or CD. Every summer we would be immersed in a great read all together. One year I had been talking with my school age kids about reading A Wrinkle in Time, a favorite of mine by Madeline L.Engle. They were less than excited about it, so I bought the tapes to listen to on a road trip. By the 3rd chapter, everyone was engaged and loving the exciting adventures of Meg, Charles Wallace, Calvin and Mrs. Whatsit. Near the end of our trip, I slipped in the last tape and disturbing noises came from our tape player as the tape broke and was quickly eaten up by the player. We were all disappointed! What would we do? We had to know how it ended. We drove through a small town to get gas and Emily noticed across the street a small local bookstore. I ran in and purchased a copy of the book. For the last two hours of our trip, the girls took turns reading the last chapters aloud, so we would all know how the adventure ended. Some other books on tape that are enjoyable for children and parents alike are the Harry Potter series (Jim Dale is a genius!), Ramona and Beezus, The Series of Unfortunate Events books and Charlotte's Web.
Kindle or electronic readers are great tools. Kids love having their own "equipment". They are light in weight, portable and long books won't seem so daunting because no one can see how many pages a book has on an electronic reader.
Make some time this summer to read and love books, Encourage your children to read through your example and enthusiasm. A little book worm just might show up at your house because reading is an essential!
