We encourage RVS families to read over the summer to help maintain literacy skills and foster a lifelong love for literacy. Here are some tips to help launch a summer of reading:  

• Reading is more meaningful when it is social and purposeful, not just solitary. Kids are more likely to engage when reading is connected to interests, family time or shared experiences.
• Make reading a family activity by reading with your children, discussing stories, taking turns reading aloud and creating a comfortable space for shared reading time.
• Connect reading to real-life experiences. Use trips, brochures, family book clubs, movies or outings inspired by books to create excitement and context for reading.
• Support your child’s interests by helping them find materials, fiction or nonfiction, that match their passions (e.g., sports, animals, robots, dance, etc.) and by reading some of it yourself.
• Incorporate writing and communication through letters, notes or simple journaling to complement reading and make it more interactive and personal.
• Take advantage of community resources such as libraries and summer reading programs to keep kids engaged in literacy over the summer.

Looking for a new favourite book? Visit your local library or view this list of favourites from the Children’s Book Council.