The holiday season is full of excitement – family gatherings, outdoor adventures and festive celebrations. But it’s also a long break from school, which makes it essential to keep children reading regularly. Consistent reading helps maintain literacy skills, boosts confidence and nurtures a lifelong love of books.
Melissa Day, Assistant Manager at the MultiLit Literacy Centre in Macquarie Park, reminds parents that early readers benefit greatly from ongoing practice:
“Reading should remain enjoyable and part of the daily routine, even during relaxed holiday periods.”
Here are some practical tips and creative ideas to make reading fun for your child this summer:
- Model the joy of reading: Children learn by example. Show them that reading is an enjoyable activity by modelling it yourself. Invite grandparents, aunts and uncles to join in – shared reading experiences create lasting memories.
- Read aloud together: Reading aloud gives children access to stories beyond their current skill level and introduces new vocabulary and concepts. Discuss the plot and characters as you go to deepen comprehension.
- Choose books they love: Let kids pick books that match their interests and reading level. Variety is key. Explore different genres and themes to keep things exciting.
- Visit your local library: Libraries offer endless choices without extra cost. Ask librarians for recommendations and make library visits a regular family outing.
- Make books special gifts: Books are perfect presents. Show enthusiasm when you or your child receives a book as it reinforces the value of reading.
- Create family reading time: Set aside quiet time where everyone reads together. Seeing the whole family engaged in reading helps children associate it with relaxation and enjoyment.
- Change the scenery: Take reading outdoors to a park or even into a shady fort. A change of environment can make reading feel like an adventure.
- Set fun reading challenges: Create goals – such as reading a certain number of books or exploring different genres – and track progress with a chart. Offer a small reward, like a new book, when they reach their target.
- Incorporate reading into daily life: Encourage kids to read menus, signs and maps. These real-world opportunities make literacy practical and empowering.
- Explore a book series: A series can hook children with ongoing stories and characters, motivating them to keep reading.
Extra activities to boost literacy
- Cook together: Read recipes and prepare meals as a team.
- Make lists: From holiday plans to favourite foods, list-making builds writing skills.
- Scrapbook or journal: Document holiday adventures with words and pictures.
- Word jar game: Pick a new word daily and use it in conversation.
- Book-to-movie challenge: Read a book, then watch its film adaptation and compare.
- Five-day book exploration: Dive deep into one picture book with themed activities over the course of five days.
Recommended summer picture books
- The Spotty Sock Mystery by Anna Notley, illustrated by Heidi Cooper Smith
- Mo and the Monster by Sue Murray, illustrated by Rozzy Hibbard
- Windy Town by Anna Notley, illustrated by Katie Chappell
- Magic Beach by Alison Lester
- Our River Playground by Anna Notley and Uncle Carl, illustrated by Elenore Binge
- Bessie the Bilby Needs a Friend by Anna Notley, illustrated by Janet Tiitinen
Want more ideas or resources? Speak to your child’s Tutor or explore The Bookshop by MultiLit.