Helping Your Child Read at Home Boosts Retention Over the Summer

Summer break is an exciting time for private kindergarten children, but it can also lead to a decline in academic skills known as the "summer slide." One effective way to combat this slide and boost retention is by encouraging your child to read at home. 

Foster a Reading Routine

Establish a daily reading routine that becomes a regular part of your child's summer schedule. Set aside dedicated time for reading, whether it's in the morning, afternoon, or evening. Encourage your Montessori kindergarten child to choose books that align with their interests and reading level. 

Create a Reading Challenge

Make reading a fun and engaging activity by setting up a reading challenge for your child. Create a reading list together, including a variety of genres and authors. Challenge your child to read a certain number of books or accumulate a specific number of reading minutes over the summer. Offer incentives or rewards for achieving their reading goals, such as a special outing or a small treat.

Explore Different Reading Materials

Encourage your child to explore various reading materials beyond traditional books. Visit the library together and encourage them to select magazines, graphic novels, or informational texts that align with their interests. Providing a range of reading materials keeps their reading experience diverse and captivating, helping them maintain engagement and develop broader reading skills.

Engage in Discussion

After your child finishes reading a book or a chapter, engage in meaningful discussions about the story, characters, and themes. Encourage them to share their thoughts, opinions, and predictions. These discussions not only enhance their comprehension skills but also foster critical thinking and analytical abilities. 

Lead by Example

Children often imitate the behaviors they observe in their parents or caregivers. Demonstrate your own love for reading by reading in front of your child. Let them see you enjoy books and discuss what you're reading. When children witness the importance and pleasure of reading from the adults around them, they are more likely to develop a positive attitude towards reading themselves.

Encouraging your child to read at home during the summer is an effective way to boost retention and prevent the summer slide. By fostering a reading routine, creating a reading challenge, exploring different reading materials, engaging in discussions, and leading by example, you provide the support and motivation for your child to maintain their reading skills and develop a lifelong love for learning.