Make kids' reading must-do

The statistics about reading performance are particularly vital this year.

Less than glowing national test scores, overcrowded classrooms and diminished on-grade reading time suggest that many children have been left behind in reading practice.

Adding to those dismal facts is the reality that during the summer, students may lose up to four months of achievement unless they continue to utilize these skills.

The best solution is to read during the summer.

Sound simple?

For some parents, not so.

Making reading happen can become a battle of wits. Even finding a book of interest or a time to launch a reading session is a matter of setting priorities that can easily be overlooked in busy schedules and vacations.

The best strategy is to put it high on the must-do list and then let those needing reading practice get involved in planning the schedules, topics and outcomes.

Resistant readers are much more likely to fulfill the must-do list if they are involved in making chore charts and setting times.

The list should have at least the following:

Reading is an assignment just like other chores.

Reading will come before sports, TV or play dates with friends.

Reading can be a varied and shared activity.

Some parents set up reward-and-consequence contracts for fulfilling the must-do list, saying it puts the responsibility on the learner. They also vary the days of the week to allow for early morning sports practice or music lessons.

My advice is whatever works, work it! But be consistent.

Students have been used to a regime of class work. They can follow a regime of reading as well.

Finding a summer reading project for reading can be an incentive.

Some children want to be involved with other children in community and library activities. Watch the newspaper for those being offered.

You may want to try highlighting a favorite author or artist for the week just for your own reader.

Reading during the summer can be much more fun if it's shared. Find-a-buddy-and-read will make sharing a pleasant experience. What better way to have a friend over than this?

It is a fact that children follow the habits of their parents. If parents read, children will, too.

Begin the habit of sharing by making books your dessert! Plan a time when family members get to share a favorite title or book synopsis during dessert time.

Help young readers talk about a picture book, teenagers give an overview of a current book or adults tell about what they are reading.

Reading doesn't have to be a struggle, even though it could end up that way. Set some goals, stick to them and when the school bells ring in the fall, you'll realize the importance of putting in the effort of the summer reading times.

e-mail: marilousorensen@ymail.com