The summer is a great opportunity to read formats that we normally do not have the time to read throughout the school year.  Check out the magazines at our library and discover titles that will appeal to children of all ages. Look at National Geographic Kids, Highlights, Sports Illustrated for Kids, and American Girls.

Read the newspaper together.  Show your child the different categories in the paper: international, national, city and sports.  Read to them the opening paragraph and let them know what is happening around the world.  Many newspapers have a science and a historical section that may be of interest to everybody. Keep a map nearby and show them where the countries are located.  Come to the library and take out books about a particular country and learn their customs, language and food.  Follow a simple recipe together and discover a new culinary delight.

The paperback section at our  library has several paperback series for younger and older children.  Many children like reading a series because they can follow the same characters on their adventures in different stories. They are located downstairs where children have easy access to the collection and have a chance to sit in comfy chairs.  You can share the readings together at the beach or at the pool especially after lunch when you have wait several minutes before going back into the water.  Some series include:  Magic Tree House, Junie B. Jones, Go Girl series and Goosebumps. 

Register for your library’s summer reading challenge.  Have your child challenge themselves to see how many books they can read this summer. Adults can also join the summer reading programs and have everyone gather together especially at the end of the day after dinner to read.  Take turns reading out loud from the youngest to the oldest. Change your voice to reflect the different characters in the story.  Laugh, giggle and have lots of fun.  It is this time together that will become memorable! 

Have a book swap party any time during the summer.   Do you have a gently used book that you are willing to swap with one of your friends?  You could have a wonderful book discussion party at someone’s home or at the park! I know which book I want to discuss. See you soon at the library! 

Image : http://www.cobbk12.org/sites/literacy/centers/1centersbooks.htm