Kids can lose two months of reading skills over the summer- a phenomenon called "summer slide"- when they don't have opportunities to continue their learning. In collaboration with our partners, MPS Strong Reads focuses on preventing summer slide by making summer reading fun and easy.
Check out our upcoming book giveaways and summer reading tips for parents/caregivers.
1. Let kids choose
Does your child love sharks? Sports? Fashion? Let them read about it. More than 90% of kids say they are more likely to finish a book that they picked out.
2. Read together
Act out stories, use funny voices and laugh at silly pictures. Reading together is great family bonding time and helps kids develop a lifelong love of reading.
3. Ask questions
Talk with your child about the book they're reading. Ask them questions like: What is the story about? What do you think will happen next? What was your favorite part?
4. Keep books everywhere
Keep books in the car, the house, a beach bag -- you'll have a great story always within reach.
Below are additional resources for free books this summer:
Hennepin County Libraries - participate in Read Write Draw to win a free book
Map of Little Free Library locations in Minneapolis
Minneapolis Parks & Recreation Board Pop-Up Library
"Summer Slide" Reduced by Letting Kids Pick Their Own Summer Reading
Third Grade Reading Predicts Later High School Graduation
Learning to Read, Reading to Learn
Every Child, Every Day- six elements for effective reading instruction