Summer is a wonderful opportunity for children to enhance their reading skills, building a foundation for academic success in the upcoming school year. Working on a summer reading list is not merely a suggestion to keep kids busy; it’s a critical requirement to help them stay on track and avoid falling behind their classmates.
However, reading can often feel more like a chore than a pleasure for children who find reading challenging due to learning disabilities such as dyslexia or ADHD. Here are creative and engaging ways to make reading fun and appealing for every child, ensuring they grow to love the magic of stories.
1. Help Them Choose Engaging Books
Kids who struggle with reading are more likely to finish books that align with their specific interests, like dinosaurs, space, fairy tales, or sports. Graphic novels can also be an excellent option because they provide visual context that can help a reader understand the story better. Additionally, interactive books with built-in activities can engage children more thoroughly, making the reading experience more enjoyable.
2. Incorporate Technology
Technology makes reading more accessible and fun. For example, audiobooks are excellent for children with dyslexia. Listening to books can help improve a child’s comprehension and vocabulary, all while enjoying a story. Also, e-readers and tablets allow children with visual processing issues to adjust text size, font, and background color.
3. Create a Comfortable Reading Nook
Designate a special corner in your home as a reading nook. Make it cozy with pillows, blankets, soft lighting, and easy access to books. This dedicated space can make reading time something your child looks forward to every day.
4. Start a Summer Reading Challenge
You can motivate your child to read more by rewarding their achievement every time they reach a milestone. For example, after finishing each book, your child gets to pick a movie your whole family can watch together. Make a visual progress chart where they can add a sticker for every book they read.
5. Host a Book Club
Organize a virtual or in-person club where your child and their friends can read the same book and discuss it together. These meet-ups make reading a social activity that also enhances comprehension as they discuss the story’s themes and characters.
6. Integrate Arts and Crafts
After your child finishes a book, encourage them to do an art project related to the story. For instance, drawing their favorite scene as a comic strip could help children with ADHD or dyslexia process what they’ve read in a creative, hands-on way.
7. Read Together
Make reading a family activity by reading books aloud to each other. For older children, you can both read the same book separately and then discuss it. This shared activity is something everyone can enjoy doing together.
8. Use Drama and Role Playing
Ask your child to act out scenes from a book with costumes and props. This method is particularly engaging for kinesthetic learners who benefit from movement, bringing the story to life and making unforgettable experiences.
Engaging Strategies for Every Learner
Reading shouldn’t be a summer chore, but a doorway to new adventures and learning opportunities. You can help your child develop a lifelong love of reading and using their imagination by making reading fun and tailored to their learning needs.
At Project Play Therapy, we understand the unique challenges that come with learning disabilities. Our speech and language pathologists work closely with children who have developmental and acquired communication disorders, including all areas of spoken and written language. We use evidence-based therapies to improve children’s confidence and fluency with reading and writing. Connect with us today to learn about how we can help your child achieve more.