The last day of school as finally arrived, and your children are dreaming of days and days of nothing but swimming, playing tag, and chasing fireflies.  However, as much as they may not be considering it right now, it is very important that included in this list of seasonal activities is to take the time to read a book or two.  In fact, before school gets out, it is advisable that you sit down with each child and work out a summer reading list full of appropriate books that they would enjoy reading over the summer.

Keep Them  Sharp

Studies show that up to 40% of what children learn each school year is lost over the summer.  This means that valuable class time is used at the beginning of each subsequent year re-learning what the children already knew.  Reading for 20 to 40 minutes per day (depending on the age of the child) helps keep the mind sharp and offers intellectual exercise, if you will.

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Give Them a Little Relaxation Time

Reading helps the mind in more ways than just intellectually.  While physical activity is very important, so is taking the time each day to be still, rest, and let the mind go for a little while.  Reading offers this opportunity.  Many children benefit from reading at bedtime, while others read indoors during the heat of the day.  It doesn’t matter when that time is carved out, but it will relieve stress and give a sense of relaxation.

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Feed the Imagination

Throughout the school year, children read primarily those books assigned to them by teachers for the sake of class discussion, assignments, and book reports.  Summer is a great time to demonstrate to kids that there are many books available that will feed their imagination simply for the sake of enjoyment.  With no classroom assignments attached, children can choose books based on their own interests and read at their leisure.

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A Great Family Activity

Children whose parents read are more apt to be readers, themselves, and reading can be a wonderfully bonding activity.  Whether you read a book aloud as a family or simply gather in the living room to read quietly with a bowl of popcorn between you, you will feel closer to one another by sharing this time.  Eventually, you will find yourselves sharing great parts of your books with one another and recommending various selections.  It will turn into your own little book club.