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Summer brings longer days, a break from the regular school routine, and the perfect opportunity
to dive into the world of books. For children, especially those navigating learning differences
such as dyslexia and ADHD, maintaining and enhancing literacy skills during these months is
essential.
Fortunately, crafting a summer reading routine doesn’t have to mimic classroom learning. By
adopting a thoughtful approach, it’s possible to make reading a delightful adventure that
enriches their minds and sparks their imagination.
1. Provide an Engaging Book During Summer Travel
Traveling during the summer offers a unique opportunity to weave reading into the fabric of your
family adventures. Whether it’s a road trip to visit grandparents, a day at the beach, or waiting at
the airport for a flight to a new destination, these moments can become gateways to new worlds
found in books.
Here are a few tips to ensure the book you pick becomes a cherished travel companion:
• Involve Your Child in the Selection Process: Visit your local library or bookstore
together before the trip. Encourage your child to explore books that align with their
interests, whether it’s dinosaurs, space exploration, or magical adventures.
• Consider Interactive Books: For younger children or those needing a more tactile
reading experience, look for interactive books with elements they can touch, feel, or
manipulate.
• Incorporate Audiobooks: Audiobooks can be especially beneficial for children with
dyslexia or other reading difficulties, as they allow children to enjoy stories without the
stress of decoding text.
• Select a Variety: Offering a selection of books can help accommodate mood changes
and varying interests throughout the trip. Include a mix of fiction and non-fiction, short
stories, and longer novels to provide options.
2. Create a Cozy Reading Nook
Creating a cozy reading nook can transform reading from a task into a treasured moment of
tranquility and adventure. This dedicated space, free from the bustle of daily life, invites children
into the heartwarming world of stories, making it an essential step in nurturing a lifelong love for
reading.
3. Integrate Reading into Daily Activities
Incorporating reading into the rhythm of everyday life can turn it into a seamless habit, making
literacy development a natural part of a child’s day. Here are a few ideas to effortlessly integrate
reading into daily summer activities:
• Cook Together Using Recipes: This practical application of reading helps them follow
instructions and introduces new vocabulary in a fun, engaging context.
• Explore Nature with Field Guides: Turn a day at the park or a backyard exploration
into an educational adventure by bringing a field guide on local plants, birds, or insects.
• Follow Directions for Crafts and Games: Whether assembling a model airplane or
playing a new board game, following written instructions can be a playful way to practice
reading comprehension.
• Storytelling with Picture Books: Picture books offer an excellent way to introduce
storytelling to younger children. As you read together, ask your child to describe what
they see in the pictures.
4. Leverage Technology and Audiobooks
In our digital age, technology offers a treasure trove of resources to enhance the reading
experience, making it more accessible and enjoyable, especially for children with learning
differences. Audiobooks stand out as a valuable tool. They can breathe life into stories,
providing a multisensory reading experience that can benefit children facing difficulties with
traditional reading methods.
5. Establish a Summer Reading Challenge
A summer reading challenge can be a wonderful way to motivate children to read more during
their break. Setting up a challenge tailored to your child’s reading abilities and interests
encourages them to set goals and celebrate their achievements, fostering a sense of
accomplishment.
Here’s how to create an inspiring summer reading challenge:
• Work with your child to set realistic reading goals. These could be based on the
number of books, pages, or minutes spent reading each day or week. Ensure the goals
are challenging yet attainable to maintain motivation without causing frustration.
• Reward progress with incentives that resonate with your child. Rewards can be
simple, such as extra playtime, a favorite snack, or a small toy. Consider a more
significant reward for completing the challenge, like a family outing or a new book.
• Create a visual tracker. Your child can mark their achievements in a reading log or a
progress chart. This visual representation of their progress can be incredibly motivating
and rewarding.
• Regularly celebrate your child’s progress to keep their spirits high. Share their
successes with family members or friends to give them a sense of pride and
accomplishment.
Summer Programs to Boost Literacy Skills
Summer breaks offer a golden opportunity to enrich and enhance reading and literacy skills in a
fun, engaging way. Specialized summer programs can be pivotal in this journey, providing
targeted support and practice in a structured yet enjoyable environment.
• FLEX Summer Program: The FLEX Summer Program stands out because it is tailored
for students eager to boost their abilities in critical academic areas such as math, writing,
reading comprehension, and fluency. It begins with a thorough assessment process,
including subject screenings and complete evaluations, to understand each student’s
unique needs and goals.
• SMART Summer Program: Designed to offer intensive assistance in essential
academic skills, the SMART Summer Program is particularly beneficial for students
facing learning difficulties. It caters to those who are at risk of or have been diagnosed
with dyslexia, Specific Learning Disability (SLD), Central Auditory Processing Disorder
(CAPD), or Auditory Processing Disorder (APD). By focusing on key areas such as
phonemic awareness, phonics, fluency, and critical literacy skills, SMART aims to lay a
strong foundation, empowering students to overcome challenges and thrive
academically.
Embracing Summer’s Promise: Cultivating a Love of Reading and
Discovery
Remember, the goal is not just to read more but to fall in love with the stories, the words, and
the worlds they unveil. Here’s to a summer filled with books, growth, and laughter—may it be a
chapter that adds beautiful stories to your child’s journey of learning and discovery.
