Summertime is full of outdoor adventures, sunburns and days spent at the pool or beach. But, sometimes (especially in Texas) the heat is just too much, and staying indoors is a better option. To combat the “I’m boreds,” try getting your child excited about books with these fun tips and activities.
Join a summer reading program
If you want to encourage your children to put down the electronics and pick up a book, then why not join a summer reading program. Local libraries not only provide an opportunity to join in on story times, activities, crafts and games, but they also give children the chance to earn a prize at the end of the summer.
Create a book club with friends
Why not get together with a group of your child’s buddies (or yours) once a week or a few times a month and talk about a specific book. You and the other moms can take turns creating crafts, snacks or games to go along with what you’re reading to further enhance the learning and the fun.
Use the books you’re reading for inspiration
If you’re reading a book about a caterpillar, then go out to the yard and look for caterpillars. If your child is fascinated by the Old West, then find a local museum that highlights this time in history. If the characters in your book make stew, then why not look up a recipe and make a big pot of stew with your children. They’ll forget about it being too hot to play outside and will probably eat their dinner.
Create a reading nook
What’s better than curling up in your own comfy reading nook with a good book? Even if your child is too young to read on their own, they will still enjoy looking at picture books or being read to inside their secret hideout. Here’s a DIY reading nook you might want to try creating for your little one.
Make your own book
There are so many possibilities when it comes to creating your own book. Whether it’s a book made of construction paper, or something you create on a photo site, like this one meant to celebrate a baptism, you can tailor it to fit your child.
Jessa is the Editor-in-Chief of Hooray for Family and the mom of three energetic children. She has a BA in Mass Communication/Journalism from the University of Mary Hardin-Baylor, and is a long-time resident of Central Texas. When she isn't writing and editing, she enjoys playing board games with her kids, teaching Sunday school and channeling her creativity into craft projects.
