Summer Reading for Kids

Learn how to be intentional with summer reading for kids! 

Summer reading for kids is very important, even if they are not required to do it by their school. Reading is often something that we have to encourage in our kids. Some will naturally lean towards loving it, while others will want nothing to do with books. It is a challenge, but we can be intentional and help weave reading into our summer routines. 

Tips to be Intentional with Summer Reading for Kids

Make sure to download the Summer Reading Packet for Kids here!

Have reading time every day. 

Consistency is key. Decide how much reading time you want per day and set a timer. We have found that 20 minutes is the perfect amount of time. It is not super long but it works well. 

Break out special snacks during reading time. 

Kids love special snacks and you can have a special snack just for reading time. Ralphie from Simply On Purpose shares a great idea about having a Mom Shop for your kids. It is brilliant. We put our own twist on it and let the kids pick out two snacks during reading time. These snacks are all fun snacks that they are excited to have. 

The key is they have to read while they enjoy the snack. It has become a fun time and the kids even have read even longer on some days. 

Use reward charts or punch cards. 

Reward charts and punch cards are a helpful way to keep track of your child’s reading. Come up with a system that works for your family. It may be that every time they fill up a card, they get a treat or a prize. Determine it ahead of time. 

You can download a Kids Printable Reading Chart and Punch Cards here!

Find books that your child wants to read. 

What interests your child? Talk to them and come up with a list of topics. Then do the research. There are so many books out there! Our kids may have different reading interests than us and that is okay. Encourage them to try different books. 

Mix it up. 

During reading time, I will have my 6-year-old practice reading for the first half of the time. During the second half, she looks through her books on her own. This gives us a balance during the time. 

Read a book with your older child. 

This works really well with kids who are in the older elementary ages. Read the same books and then talk about them together. Plus this helps you to know what is being inputted into their life.

Read the book and then watch the movie. 

Is there a movie that would be fun to watch that is created because of a book? Invite your child to read the book with you and when you finish, you can watch the movie together. 

Download the Summer Reading Packet for Kids!