Summer Reading: Why is it SO important to keep reading over the holidays?

The summer holidays are fast approaching and for many, it will be a time to put down those text books and forget about everything to do with school for six weeks or so.

But, for those children who carry on reading throughout the summer break, studies have shown that these book worms generally maintain their reading skills.  Children who frequently see their parents reading (newspapers/books) or who still read along with their parents, also generally score higher on in-school standardized tests.

Regardless of your age, reading is important; it’s a skill that you get better at the more your practice.

There’s also a great way to get the children more involved in reading that won’t cost you a penny!

Visit your local library and take part in the annual Summer Reading Challenge. Every year they have a different theme and the Challenge is open to all children aged 4-11. You have to sign up, usually in July and the Challenge runs all the way through August and into September.

The Challenge isn’t too hard: a minimum of 6 books to be read over the summer holidays – but you can always read more if you like!  There are prizes to be won as well, so it’s definitely worth popping in and seeing what it’s all about. If you complete the Challenge, you also receive a Certificate of Participation.

And …. you never know … you might enjoy the reading SO much that you carry on after the holidays are over and you’re back at school!