There is a popular saying that goes, “If you don’t use it, you lose it.” Unfortunately, that is all too true when it comes to reading skills during the summer months between school years. It is not difficult to be tempted to take it easy, take a break and resume learning in the fall. Something imperative to remember is that all learning is affected by reading, and falling behind is a real risk when it is placed on hold. Jim Trelease offers critical suggestions to assess and prevent that risk.

One major point of influence that he discusses is cultivating a home with print. In a Florida study, children without reading materials and those with printed books showed a massive gap between gains at the end of the summer. Those with books had nearly double the gains in reading skills by the beginning of the next school year compared to those with no access to reading materials.

There are always concerns about requiring children to read, potentially causing a dislike for reading altogether. Though Trelease offers a counter-argument in that requiring a child to brush their teeth, wash their hands, or other daily activities that benefit their physical health doesn’t mean it will instigate a disdain for these routines from the child. Rather, they build habits that will benefit them in the long run. Reading can offer the same benefits for their educational and cognitive health, especially as it is built into a habit.

The following are suggestions to create a positive reading environment during this last summer month:

• Be a role model — Taking time to read as the adult can model the behavior for your children. Even better, find time to read together.
• Encourage parameters that complement your child’s age — You wouldn’t expect your toddler to sit down for an hour to read, nor would it make sense to have a teenager only read for 5 minutes. Always consider age and development!
• Remember that reading materials can vary — While reading a comic book may not be entirely educational, it still counts as reading time! Allow your child to express their interests in their reading choices.

Charlie Riedel, Associated Press

One month remains until the start of the school year — take time to encourage your child to begin reading now! This will help them in every aspect of their learning and build habits that last a lifetime.