This year make sharing books part of your family's summer fun. When parents and children enjoy reading together, children develop a love of books that lasts a lifetime. Together with our partners, we've gathered tips, tools and tricks to make reading a fun, easy part of your summer.
Activities from PBS KIDS
For ten weeks this summer, from May 23 through July 29, PBS KIDS is airing special theme weeks that pair with activities you and your child can do after watching. Download the schedule and details!
Keep cool with the Cat in the Hat during "Cool Cat Week."
Prevent the Summer Slump
Research shows that children who don't maintain reading skills over the summer are likely to start the upcoming school year at a disadvantage. Here are our top tips to prevent the summer slump:
- Tip #1: Bring learning tools with you on the road.
- Tip #2: Integrate literacy-building adventures into your daily routine.
- Tip #3: Find educational activities you and your child can do together indoors and outdoors.
- Tip #4: Look for books and programs that feature your child's favorite characters.
- Tip #5: Explore your local library.
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Challenge Your Child
Head to Scholastic's Summer Challenge where kids can log reading minutes and earn rewards. Sign up now!
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Download a Free Episode
Check out PBS KIDS' Raising Readers on iTunes for featured TV shows and a new free episode every Monday through August 15. Download a free episode from PBS KIDS now on iTunes!
Soar with Reading
PBS KIDS and JetBlue are joining forces to help families keep reading this summer. Pick up your travel activity booklet, track your reading minutes or send a postcard with Hooper at Soar with Reading.
Start summer off with cool activities, fun learning tips, and more ideas to give your child a summer to remember. Sign up to get a daily newsletter from our partner, Parents.com. Get the free newsletter.
Reading Milestones
Get an idea of how your child's reading abilities might develop during his early years:
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Make Reading Fun
Don't make summer reading a chore. Find five simple ways to keep your kids excited about reading all summer long.
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Quick Literacy Tips
Literacy can happen anywhere, from the playground to the doctor's office. Check out these everyday ways to build your child's literacy skills.
An Author's Advice
"Boys of Steel" author, Marc Tyler Nobleman, offers ideas on how to avoid the summer reading slump.
Best Books for Boys
Whether you have a bookworm or a reluctant reader, we've got suggestions that can help your son find books he will enjoy.
Get to Know Your Local Library!
Your library is a great resource to connect you and your child to the world of words. Stop by today and find out about reading programs, book clubs and more!
Don't know your local library? Find a library with these tools:
PBS KIDS Raising Readers
PBS KIDS Raising Readers is a national effort that uses the power of public media to help children ages 2 to 8 improve their literacy skills. Find out how PBS KIDS Raising Readers is closing the literacy achievement gap.
Parenting Tools
PBS Parents Newsletter
Find activities, parenting tips, games from your child's favorite PBS KIDS programs and more.