SUMMER READING REFRESHERS Reading doesn’t always have to be about book reports and tests. It’s time to take advantage of the freedom of summer reading and enjoy a breath of fresh air—reading for sheer pleasure creates an “idea universe” for children to explore. “I always tell parents summertime reading is the time for children to indulge in the interests they are not able to indulge in during the school year,” says Richard Bavaria, Ph.D., vice president of education for Sylvan Learning Centers. “Summertime reading should not be assignments. It should be fun—and daily.” But how can you help your child get the most out of summer reading? Author Kathleen Odean, a children’s librarian for 17 years, has written a book that answers that question. In “Great Books About Things Kids Love,” she offers a resource of more than 750 books on just about every topic imaginable. Here are just a few of the tips that can help you take advantage of summer reading opportunities: Most children choose a book about something they love. Use your child’s natural excitement about a subject to guide them. Even the most reluctant reader quickly forgets any negativity associated with reading when an interesting topic sweeps them away. “We, as adults, should encourage children to read about the subjects they have deep interest in because the motivation is built in,” Bavaria says. “Parents should focus on subjects children are not necessarily taught during the school year such as horseback riding, oceanography, ecology, science fiction or sports.” “These are subjects that schools don’t typically teach and summertime is the time for children to indulge in those deep and abiding interests that are not satisfied during the school year,” he says. Don’t have any pre-set ideas about what your child should learn. While many parents naturally want their children to be exposed to the best literature, “classics” may not be the best choice for summer. Readers of science fiction are sure to encounter new vocabulary, more sophisticated than what they heard on the playground. Help your child to associate reading with fun. Embrace the fact that all reading doesn’t have to be “goal oriented.” In books, one can experience a joy of rich nuances in language, stimulate visual pleasure, escape to new worlds and obtain quick information. Explore subjects more in-depth. It’s very possible that some subject during the school year piqued your child’s interest, but time didn’t allow the teacher to go into great depth. This is a perfect time to broaden horizons. For example, take your child’s inclination toward the outdoors and introduce wilderness books. The trick is to find your young reader’s interest and combine that interest with fiction and nonfiction that stimulates a thirst for reading. “Hold “Drop Everything And Read” (DEAR) time,” Bavaria says. “It is important for kids to see their parents reading during the summertime. Reading during those long hot summertime evenings is a great family activity.” Bavaria says it is also important for children to read to their parents. “It makes them feel an important part of the reading experience. It gives them a chance to show off their reading talents.” Summertime reading is not only a great way to get children away from the television and into a good book, it will also help them to be ahead of the game once school starts. “Reading helps to sharpen their skills and allows them to get off to a fast start when the new school year begins,” Bavaria says. “There is no worse way to start school than to have to repeat skills and lessons from the previous year.” by Jody Wright