03 Aug Top tips to keep children reading this summer with the Essex Year of Reading
Yoga reading Lucy Winward (1)eHarlow Park Drew Smith Family (4)Harwich Matthew and LIly Watson (13) CC
From Reading in Unusual Places, to the Summer Reading Challenge, parents and carers are encouraged to help their child discover the joy of reading over the summer and prepare them to go back to school in September.
Essex County Council is sharing top tips that parents and carers can use to encourage their child to keep reading over the school holidays, as part of the Essex Year of Reading campaign.
Reading regularly during the summer can help children and young people discover a love of reading, as well as prepare them for a confident return to school in September.
Being able to read at their age level or higher can also help children and young people in other areas of their education, as well as in their future career.
Over the coming weeks, parents and carers are encouraged to:
Take part in the Reading in Unusual Places challenge and show off the weird and wonderful places they love to read as a family. Share photos on social media using #ReadingInUnusualPlaces.
Experience Books in the Park on Thursday 11 August. Hear the Gruffalo and Stick Man during special story time sessions at Thorndon and Weald Country parks.
Sign up for a free library card and gain access to thousands of books, e-books and e-audio. Children can also take part in the free Summer Reading Challenge which includes reading any six library books of their choice.
Set aside time and take turns reading with their child. Reading aloud will also increase children’s confidence.
Try different styles and genres. For children who prefer reading in short bursts, try graphic novels or comic books, which can be quicker and easier to read.
Find books that their child is passionate about. Whether it is sport, dragons or anything in between, this will get them excited about reading.
Get creative by asking their child to complete a fun task after reading. They could draw a film poster, record and act out their own film trailer, or even write an alternative ending to a story!
Find books by their favourite celebrity or idol. Lots of celebrities have written books aimed at children and young people. Finding out if their child’s idols have written a book is a great way to encourage them to read.
Councillor Tony Ball, Essex County Council’s Cabinet Member for Education Excellence, Lifelong Learning and Employability said: “It is important that children continue to enjoy books over the school holidays to maintain their reading levels. There are lots of ways parents and carers can encourage them to read so that they go back to school feeling prepared and ready to learn. Taking part in local reading initiatives and setting aside time to read together are just some of them. Reading well is an incredibly important skill and one which will not only benefit children now but will also open-up new opportunities for them as they grow.”
To find out more about the Essex Year of Reading campaign, visit www.essexyearofreading.co.uk or download the Essex Year of Reading app from the App Store or Google Play.
