As August rolls in, many families find themselves facing the inevitable: those summer reading assignments that have been looming over the laid-back days of summer. If your household is anything like mine, it’s time to gently encourage your children to set aside their outdoor adventures and dive into the literary works their teachers have assigned. Here are some strategies to help you navigate the transition from “Once upon a time…” to “The End” without it turning into a chaotic race against time.
1. Set Clear Goals
Begin by calculating the number of pages left and dividing it by the days remaining in summer. This will give your child a daily page goal. You may also want to compare this with the total days of vacation to illustrate how procrastination can add up. They’ll appreciate your gentle reminders—trust me, they love it.
2. Strategic Snacks
Keep snacks to a minimum and only reward them when they reach their page goals. In between, consider keeping it simple with Neccos for a quick energy boost. Just be cautious with water intake to minimize bathroom breaks that can disrupt their flow.
3. Create Excitement
Drop hints like, “Have you reached the part where…? Oh, never mind, I won’t spoil it!” The goal is to keep the excitement alive. No matter where they are in the book, let them know they’re nearing an exciting section. When they finish and ask about that part, just say, “You’re done—that’s the good part!”
4. Engage in Discussion
Skim through Wikipedia to familiarize yourself with the main characters. Ask your child which “team” they align with. For example, “You’re tackling Brave New World? Are you Team Bernard or Team John?” This can spark interest, especially when you suggest the title might even be “inappropriate.”
5. Avoid Overhyping
Don’t inundate them with how much you love the book or its status as a classic. My daughter, Mia, is currently reading The Poisonwood Bible, which I adore. However, at 576 pages, it’s a hefty and somewhat somber read. Remember, summer reading often comes with a tinge of melancholy—it’s like prepping them for the school year.
6. Visit the Library
Here’s a novel idea: take a trip to the library. Who knows? They might actually enjoy reading there. Some libraries even have coffee shops!
7. Audiobook Adventures
Play the audiobook during car rides until it’s finished. I once took my son, Jake, to a Chipotle that happened to be several hours away! This might be tricky with multiple kids but is worth a try.
8. Dinnertime Quizzes
Quiz your children during dinner to ensure they’re absorbing the material. Don’t fret if you haven’t read the book yourself; SparkNotes are a lifesaver for this.
9. Create a Book Club
Set up a discussion group with their friends similar to your own book club. Make sure they engage and converse about the book. Like most book groups, only a few will have read it, while the others will learn how to fake it. They might not be able to sip wine, but you surely can!
10. Brace for the All-Nighter
Prepare yourself for the inevitable last-minute reading session. Coffee and M&M’s are my go-to snacks. Sometimes, I even let Jake join in on the fun. My partner and I love reading too, so we share the experience, although Jake claims he was swapped at birth with a family somewhere who is begging him to put down the book and dive into the pool.
Ultimately, accept that this cycle will repeat itself next year, no matter how often you promise it will be different. We all tend to favor our desires over responsibilities. Speaking of responsibilities, I’ve got laundry waiting and weeds in the garden. Maybe it’s time for me to sneak off with a good book.
For more insights on parenting and navigating these challenges, check out one of our other blog posts here. If you’re curious about at-home insemination options, consider visiting Make A Mom. For detailed information on pregnancy, Healthline offers excellent resources.
In summary, with some planning and creativity, you can help your kids successfully complete their summer reading assignments while keeping the experience as enjoyable as possible.
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