Primary Times - the definitive what’s on and where to go family guide of activities and events for children of primary school age. Things to do with your kids during the school holidays including arts and craft activities, music and theatre for children, parties, competitions, days out, and family attractions along with term time drama schools, dance classes, after school clubs and sports activities. Things to do at a place near you!
Renew your reading goals this summer…
Primary Times explores the benefits of reading for fun and keeping motivated through the holidays
During the summer, the sunny weather and all the fun going on outdoors can make it difficult for children to stay on track with their reading. This reading ‘dip’ is natural, however the extended holiday away from school provides more free time that can be put to good use. When it’s just too hot to be out and about outside all day, this is the perfect opportunity to get your children excited about books and to develop their reading skills further!
Keep children busy with the Summer Reading Challenge
Held annually by The Reading Agency since 1999 and delivered in partnership with public libraries, the challenge encourages children aged 4-11 across the UK to enjoy reading for pleasure through the summer – hopefully counteracting that lull that can creep in whilst schools are closed! Being both free and fun, the challenge is accessible for all to enter online digitally, or children can take part in person through a local library. This year, the challenge has also been created in partnership with Youth Sport Trust to focus on reading, games, sport, and play. Children can set their own reading goals with incentives and rewards available, as well as virtual badges and a certificate when their goal is reached! Ready, set, read!
The benefits of reading
Keeping your child’s mind active over the summer break is worth doing…
Family bonding time
Reading together means spending some dedicated, uninterrupted family time. A bedtime story as part of your evening routine is also something that everyone can look forward to all day!
Developing literacy skills
Books allow children to familiarise themselves with words, language, and sentence structure, which can help when it comes to developing their own spelling and writing skills, and with forming their own vocabulary. Practising reading aloud may help with pronouncing new words too.
Comfort and relaxation
Reading is also a calming activity to enjoy individually. Getting lost in a good book can be a great way to self-soothe or relax, and for a child to enjoy some independent time. Understanding various characters’ emotions in a story may mean that children are able to identify and be more in tune with their own feelings too.
Expanding the imagination
In children’s books, we are often transported to fantastical lands with fairies, mermaids, and mythical creatures galore. Reading engages the imagination, allowing a child to exercise and strengthen their own creativity as they go.
Discovery and understanding of new ideas
Exposure to different worlds, cultures, and interests through reading can be fantastic for broadening a child’s mind because they become immersed in characters and experiences that may differ from their own usual day-to-day. Learning about new ideas and viewpoints are vital skills for children to engage with the world around them as they grow.
Tips to make reading fun for children
- Read books based around their interests
- Create an appealing, cosy and colourful reading corner or fort
- Act out the story aloud together to bring it to life
- Get creative and draw or paint your favourite characters
- Introduce encouraging reading rewards at home if you can
Will your family keep reading for fun over the holidays? For more information on the Summer Reading Challenge: summerreadingchallenge.org.uk