Summer is here! With it, comes a much welcomed break from homework, tests and studying. It can be tough to motivate your child to continue academic work during the summer months.
Summer reading can feel like somewhat of a drag, especially for children with learning or attention issues. Your child may need more encouragement than ever to keep up their reading routine over summer break. Use these strategies below to help motivate your child to keep on reading.
Let your child choose. The books your child gravitates toward may not be your first choice, but don’t criticize their decision. Reading is reading! Show your child that you respect his choice and accept his preference. If your child is reluctant to read, letting them choose the type of books they read can go a long way towards increasing their motivation.
Help your child find reading they’ll like. What is your child interested in? Harry Potter? Ocean life? Football? Whatever his or her interest may be, connect it to reading. Find articles, books and magazines on their favorite topic. Look for different formats that may be more accessible to kids with learning issues such as graphic novels or e-books with audio support.
Read together. Set aside a designated time for your whole family to read. It can be before bedtime or on a weekend morning - pick a time where everyone sits together and reads whatever they want. This shows your child that reading is important for everyone and helps make it a habit.
Find an intriguing series. Encourage your child to read the first book in a series. If she gets hooked on the first book, she can follow the same characters and themes in succeeding books. It’s good motivation for reluctant readers to pick up another book right after they’ve just finished one. Kids with learning and attention issues may feel anxious or fearful about starting new books, but reading another book in a familiar series can help erase those negative feelings.
Every student has a different learning style. For an individualized plan customized to your child's needs, please contact Dana Aussenberg at danaaussenberg.com or email dana@danaaussenberg.com.