Within the next week or so your lovely kids will be out for the summer. What is your agenda for them? We’re talking about three months here. A mother myself when asked that I automatically go into the sports, which is still good it keeps them active and out of trouble however what about their academics? Stop shaking your head.
I know what you’re thinking, isn’t that what the teachers are for? If they did their job during the school year then I wouldn’t have to worry about that right?
Dead wrong.
In three months a child can lose everything they learned the previous year – everything! Did you know that most of the first quarter of the following school year your child is reviewing what was taught the previous year? Couldn’t that be time spent on new material?
Income
Income does play a part in this. Either way if a child doesn’t read during those three months they will lose all of that information whether they are from a financially stable home or a low income home however a family financially stable have access to resources more than the low income child does. That’s reality – a lot of kids’ reality unfortunately. I’m not saying that parents of low income do not care about their children’s education it’s just that they can’t get a hold of resources to keep their kids focused and ahead of their education like their rich counterparts.
So what do we do?
We can do simple things to get our children revved up to read. You don’t need to have deep pockets just the want to see them succeed.
1. Take them to the library. Libraries usually have free summer reading programs where children can earn prizes for the amount of books they read. It’s great, keeps kids interested and increases their reading level scores.
2. Be a role model. Do you read? Do you read in front of your kids? I know, I know you don’t have time because there are sooo much to do but answer this. What did you do before this entire social media, iPhones and such came along? It wasn’t that long ago when they came out if you think about it. How did you communicate? Kids are sponges and will do things you do whether you notice it or not so pick up a book, read together or separate but at the same times even if it is through your Kindle.
3. Donate old books with your kids. Say your kids really hate to read and nothing you’re saying is sticking. How about taking some of their old books to a donation center or organization and let them see other kids get excited about getting books. Maybe that will reignite in them the drive and excitement to read because they see that hey it may be cool to read.
4. Start a literacy program for the neighborhood kids. Involve your kids in this one but start a literacy program for all of the neighborhood kids whether your own or elsewhere. Let them pick the book to read, the prizes maybe for reading the most or improving the most. Make field trips too about reading.
5. Find fun, innovative ways for them to read. What is their favorite thing to do? Well incorporate that into a reading lesson. They will have so much fun they will forget they are actually learning. Doesn’t hurt to try.
Always keep your kids interest at the forefront. It’s not about what’s convenient for you, it’s about their future. Don’t give up on them. Love reading!
Peace and luv!
Posted from none other than your favorite writer’s favorite writer Ms Talia
Diamond Publicationz 