School is finally out and that means homework has been put on hold for kids everywhere... or does it?

Summer is the perfect time to have kids become engaged in reading books about things that interest them. With the introduction of some of the cool electronics like the Nook or one of the other reading devices, there is no better time than now to introduce or reinstitute summer reading as a part of the summer fun.

Reading is not only a great way to learn about almost anything, but it is also a way for the kids to enjoy the lazy days of summer without feeling like school work never ends.

Most school districts have summer reading requirements as a part of the summer enrichment initiative and these can be coupled with the addition of fun reading materials as well.

Here are a few ideas to help make this summer fun activity the best!

  1. Check online for reviews on the different reading devices in order to get consumer input on real experiences with the device you might be considering.
  2. Check for sales or coupons before purchasing as there is usually a promotion that is running on most of the popular brands.
  3. Engage your child to become involved in the selection process making sure to use guidelines to get the best device for the task.
  4. If you have not already done so, visit your school district's county website to download a list of the reading requirements for the summer reading program and post the list on the refrigerator as a reminder to you and your child.
  5. Spend time with your child to select books on subjects that are interesting to them and include these in the list of books to read.
  6. Offer a reward for each book completed and set a goal for the number of books you would like to see finished by the end of the summer. Offer a little more for exceeding the goal. Also, I like the idea of using the reward to donate, for instance monetary rewards, in the name of your child to a charity of his or her choosing or depending on the amount rewarded, use the money to purchase a reading device for the child of a family who might not be able to afford such a device. This is something your local church or community outreach can perhaps help you with.
  7. Plan to join in the fun by reading books you like and take the time to engage your child in conversation about the books read by the two of you. This makes for a great exchange of ideas and helps to develop critical thinking in young people.
  8. Enjoy the experience...