Summer Reading Activities for the First Grade

Encourage your first grader to read over the summer with these activities.

With school out, and the youngsters basking in the glorious freedom of summer, it may be all too easy to let them zone out into an LCD bliss. Avoid the temptation and instead encourage your children to keep their minds active and healthy with some easy ways to fight the good fight against the hypnotic call of the screen, and instead, instill a love for learning and knowledge.

Library Reading Programs

Join your local library's reading club. Every summer, the National Library Association sponsors a reading club for grade-school students. The students keep a reading log and earn prizes and certificates for reading books. High readers get their name on the library's wall and may even earn bigger prizes. Some libraries have activities, parties, crafts and speakers all summer to keep kids coming through the door.

Bookstore Reading Programs

Ask your local bookstore about summer reading clubs. Every summer, large booksellers, such as Barnes and Noble and Borders, sponsor reading programs. Students keep track of their reading progress on a log and earn free books. They also give the program momentum by sponsoring parties and events. If you don't live near a large chain bookstore, ask around at small independent booksellers. They frequently do reading clubs as well.

Keep Books Around the House

Make a weekly trip to the library. Bring home at least 20 to 30 picture books each week. Keep these in a prominent place in the house, where they are likely to be flipped through when your child gets bored.

Have Read Aloud Time

Read to your children often. While independent reading is the goal, first graders may have difficulty with long periods of silent, sustained reading. Let them see where reading can take them. Reading to your child not only promotes bonding, but fuels their imagination.

Make it a Memory

Some parents find it more enjoyable to read a chapter book together. Pick from popular children's literature or try classics such as "Heidi," "Little House on the Prairie," "The Adventures of Tom Sawyer" or "Robinson Crusoe." With first graders, be prepared to stop every couple paragraphs and check for comprehension.

Model Reading

Letting your child see you read speaks more than a dozen reading logs and free pizza coupons. Turn off the TV and make it family silent reading time. Have everyone sit in the living room and absorb books. First graders will only last for a short time, but the model of reading for enjoyment will resonate.

References

• American Library Association