Reading for enjoyment is one of the best gifts of summer. Children do a lot of reading during the school year. Besides what is in their text books they have to read for book reports. The topic is usually chosen, the time limit is set, and the response is prescribed. They have to do a diorama, a report, or a presentation of some kind. During the summer reading can be for pure enjoyment. They can read anything including an old favorite again if they want.
There is such great value in reading for pleasure. One of the greatest habits we can instill in our children is the love of reading. Although there is a place for the type of reading in schools, we need to encourage reading for enjoyment during the summer. Kids might enjoy a certain author like Matt Christopher or a series of books like Little House on the Prairie. During the school year they may have to break away from these favorites to read autobiographies, non-fiction, or another category. During the summer they can get back to their favorites. There is so much value in reading, it doesn't matter if its the same book or the same series over and over.
For some kids reading a book isn't that enjoyable. Maybe they would enjoy reading magazines better. Although they may not be able to read magazines for a book report there is still lots of educational value in reading magazines. They can definitely read them in the summer. There are so many great magazines for kids now. Get your child a subscription to Highlights, National Geographic for Kids
If they don't have a favorite then you can check out Good Books Make Great Memories. You can also check out your local library and get some advice from the librarian after sharing some of your child's interests.
Make sure to take some time to encourage your children to read just for the fun of it. Try to lead by example and pick up a good book for yourself too!
