The Summer Break is finally here! While the our official 📚 Al Jimi Bookworms 🐛 Meetings are on hold for the vacations, this summer holiday is the perfect time to read more and have unforgettable adventures, both inside and outside of our reading nooks.
However, the moment boredom strikes (and it seems to strike every 20 minutes in my household!), it is tempting to abandon everything and just turn the telly on for some peace. So here are some of my tried-and-tested tips to turn some of that screen-time into reading-time this summer:
1. Invest in books, and display them!
This one seems rather simple, but it is important. As a parent, take the time to look up good books for your little reader's age group, or identify their interests and buy/borrow/rent books that work for them. Moreover, try to store your books at eye-level for your children- a place that they can easily reach and pull out a book at any time of the day. For second-hand books, check out the Thrift Bookstore on Electra or bookends.ae to buy online. Look into bookshelves for the younger ones that allow the cover of the books to show- this attractive display will draw your readers in.
2. Create set times in your day that are dedicated to reading
For us, it works to wake up and have a "milk-time" book - a great opportunity to snuggle together while drinking our morning cup of milk (strong coffee for mummy!) and enjoying the slow, unhurried start of the day during the vacation. We also then do a "breakfast book", "quiet-time book" (after lunch) and "bed-time book". These clear times of the day give children a sense of routine and they come to expect the joy of choosing their book for that particular reading time.
3. Create a "Reading Corner"
Having a dedicated space to read helps children (especially 5 and above) to retreat to their "quiet zone" whenever they need during the day. Involve your child in creating this cozy reading nook for them - ours is a simple round floor-cushion by the large French window: so plenty of light as well as a soft and comfortable spot to sit or lay down and enjoy a book.
4. Treat the book as a starting point...
This one isn't as easy to do as the others, but hang with me - what I mean here is that when a child reads a book, it can be very beneficial if the experience can extend beyond just the physical reading of the book. This could mean that you or another adult initiate conversation about the book. Or you print out a colouring page related to the theme/characters in the book for your child to do in their "art time". Or even that you participate in a full-on enactment of the book with your little reader. Depending on the age of your reader and their interest, the opportunities to do this are endless.
Image: My 3 year old loved Puss-in-Boots and wanted to dress up as the smart, brave kitty so we rummaged our wardrobes and got creative. The simple dress-up activity led to so much further joy, independent pretend play and interest in re-reading the book several times.
5. YOU are the most important ingredient in the mix
Trust me when I say this: It doesn't matter how old your child is, if they see you reading and taking an interest in books, it will rub off on them. Carve out special time for yourself during the day to read uninterrupted and invite your child to sit with their book next to you if they like. Start with just a 5 minute timer and increase it as both of you get more comfortable. If they see you turning to a book instead of a screen in a moment of boredom, it might strike them to do the same. Moreover, make it a point to read at least once a day with your child - be it a book or two or even a single page (for parents of older readers). This habit will go a long way in connecting with your child(ren) and often opens up doors for conversations that we may not find opportunities for as we are speeding through our days.
I hope you find these tips helpful! I wish you and your readers a summer full of words, wisdom and adventures. 😀
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