One of the best ways you can help your kids succeed in school is to read. I don't just mean reading with them when they're toddlers (although that's great). But did you know that reading in front of and around your children also has a powerful impact on their own decision to be a reader, whether they're preparing to enter the first grade or the tenth?
If you'd like to encourage your kids to read more, but you just aren't sure how to get started, try offering a Summer Reading Challenge at home.
Here's how it works: Print out a Summer Reading Challenge form for each child. Then take it with you as you head off the library. The kids select books for each category and "X" them off as they read each one. You can decide together what the "reward" will be for completing all 16 categories.
You can even do it yourself, which will really encourage your kids to take the challenge seriously. (Not to mention the fact that taking a break just to read for a few minutes might not be a bad way to spend your summer evenings!)
You can even have your young children participate by listening to books you read aloud or audio books, which you can check out from your local library.
Keep in mind that the whole challenge is extremely flexible, too. If you think 16 books over the course of the summer is too much for your kids, turn it into a Bingo game and see who can complete one row first. Your kids might just surprise you!
Summer Reading Resources:
If you'd like to encourage your kids to read more, but you just aren't sure how to get started, try offering a Summer Reading Challenge at home.
Here's how it works: Print out a Summer Reading Challenge form for each child. Then take it with you as you head off the library. The kids select books for each category and "X" them off as they read each one. You can decide together what the "reward" will be for completing all 16 categories.
You can even do it yourself, which will really encourage your kids to take the challenge seriously. (Not to mention the fact that taking a break just to read for a few minutes might not be a bad way to spend your summer evenings!)
You can even have your young children participate by listening to books you read aloud or audio books, which you can check out from your local library.
Keep in mind that the whole challenge is extremely flexible, too. If you think 16 books over the course of the summer is too much for your kids, turn it into a Bingo game and see who can complete one row first. Your kids might just surprise you!
Summer Reading Resources:
I am 26 weeks pregnant. me and the father were estatic, he was there holding my hand thru all dr. appt and blood work.. we found out at 21 weeks that it is a girl and the very next day he left.. he wanted a mini-him NOT a mini-me. its been 5 of thee longest weeks of my life, crying, nightmares,daymares, not getting out of bed… I want soo bad to have my babygirl but the love and backbone of my life left- BAM just like that.. How in thee hell am i supposed to handle this situation properly without ending me and the baby to be’s life? very sad scared and overwhelmed…
Mishel,
I’m so sorry for what you’re going through. You and your baby don’t deserve to be treated this way! Stay strong, though, because things will get better, and you can do this. You’ll see. Also, come join us in the Single Parents Forum to gain the support of other moms who’ve gone through similar experiences. Again, I’m so sorry, and I wish you and your little girl all the best.
Warmly,
Jen