There is nothing that compares to the feeling of summer break. Especially after a whirlwind year like this one, the couple months of rest that summer has to offer are ushered into our lives without hesitation – the changing of the season bringing promises of warmth and enjoyment. Apart from the desperate need for relaxation and time spent away from responsibilities, summer is the opportune time to catch up on things. Old habits, hobbies, and forms of leisure and self-care can be rekindled after they may have been ignored for the first part of the year. And one of such activities might just be reading!
For some, the end of a stressful school year calls for a complete isolation from all things remotely “academic,” but that doesn’t mean reading has to be set aside. One of the primary reasons many children don’t necessarily enjoy reading is because they only spend time doing it in a classroom setting. As previously established in some of our other blog posts, required reading essentially drains the fun and freedom out of a typically enjoyable activity, so summer may be the perfect time to get that back!
Yet, how exactly does one go about incorporating reading into their summer? To begin, the principle of the matter is to avoid making reading seem like a chore. It’s important to remember that summer is a time to experience some distance from the grueling demands of school, so transferring that kind of rigor into the break is not ideal. In fact, if reading is made out to be a “task” or even a “requirement,” it may lead to even more rejection. Instead, reading can be encouraged, through the introduction of texts that appeal to one’s interests, or even through incentives. For example, beginning a new book series is one of the easiest ways for someone to embrace reading, as they can become immersed in a world that continues beyond a typical single-book storyline.
Besides choosing appealing content to fill your summer reading list, finding the motivation to read may be another obstacle. A particularly helpful tactic to combat this can be found in an underrated location: local libraries. For years, public libraries have hosted summer reading challenges intended to boost children’s drive to read. Whether it be through the prospect of a prize, or even events hosted, libraries have never failed to foster a positive environment surrounding literature, especially during a time where reading should be accessible to the community. With a simple visit to a library or bookstore, you can receive access to thousands of stories at your fingertips, perfect for filling the inevitable mundane afternoons that summer brings.
Speaking of “mundane afternoons,” reading has the opportunity to ensure that the summer days won’t end up dull. In other words, when at a loss for what to do, consider spending some time within the pages of a book! This can be as convenient as spending the day within your house, or even your backyard, nestled within a story, or finding the perfect reading spot within your community. Taking a drive to somewhere like the beach or the park to read can make the experience all the more meaningful, as well as heighten the importance of reading as an activity, rather than simply something to do when you’re bored.
All in all, a stack of books and a few free hours can elevate your summer into something extraordinary. Taking advantage of the time that the break provides can help to create a lasting love for reading and a guarantee that the days won’t be wasted. Summer reading opens up a world of possibilities to everyone, regardless of their age, so all that’s left to do is pick up a book and dive right in!
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