10 Secrets to Improve Your Child’s Reading Level (This Summer)

Reading Time: 3 minutes

Audio of Blog Post

As summer approaches, it’s the perfect time to focus on improving your child’s reading level. With no homework or school schedules to worry about, your child can have a relaxed summer with plenty of opportunities to read. Here are ten tips to help your child improve their reading level this summer.

Build your home library

Building a home library is one of the best ways to improve your child’s reading level. Fill it with books that interest your child, and make sure there are plenty of options available, both fiction and non-fiction. Get books about things that kids have never heard of. Books about faraway places, exotic insects and animals, and different cultures they aren’t familiar with.  This will build your child’s schema (or background knowledge) to improve their reading by building an internal context to enhance their reading comprehension.

Get your child a library card

Another way to improve your child’s reading level this summer is by getting them a library card. This gives them access to a wide range of books and is a great way to introduce them to the library system. It’s also free, and they can get as many books as they want!

Don’t fuss over reading levels

It’s important not to get too hung up on reading levels. Instead, focus on encouraging your child to read whatever interests them. As they read more, their reading level will naturally improve. Creating an environment of curiosity will feed your child’s hunger to learn more.

Make reading positive

Make reading a positive experience for your child. This means praising their efforts, creating a cozy reading nook, and making reading fun rather than a chore.

Base books on your child’s interests

Another way to help your child’s reading level is to choose books based on their interests. If they love animals, find books about animals. If they love superheroes, find books about superheroes. This will help keep them engaged and excited about reading.

Read books that have movies

A fun way to get your child excited about reading is by finding books that have been turned into movies. This way, they can read the book and then watch the movie, and compare which one was better! (I also love doing this as an adult)

Find a series for your child

Kids love series, and finding a series that your child enjoys can be a great way to get them to read more. Once they get hooked on a series, they’ll be eager to read each new book as it comes out.

Audiobooks

Audiobooks are a great way to get your child interested in reading. It is also great for parents with little time who have little ones with short attention spans. They can listen to books while playing or coloring, which is a great way to improve their comprehension and vocabulary. A fun activity for your artistic child is to have them draw and create a scene that is being described by the audiobook.

Book Talks

Visit an independent bookstore and ask to see if they have any author events for kids. This is when authors visit stores to discuss their new novels. Often, if a child can meet the book’s author, they develop a relationship with the author, making them want to read the book more!

Interactive Books

Interactive books are a fun and engaging way to interest your child in reading and improve their reading level. This is great for those struggling readers who aren’t into traditional books yet. These books often allow children to write, color, or fill in the blanks and other interactive elements that make reading more immersive experience.

Work with a reading tutor

It’s common for parents to be juggling multiple responsibilities. Often, even though they begin helping their children with reading, it can fall by the wayside when other things demand their attention. This inconsistency can hinder progress. However, one solution is to find a reading tutor (preferably a qualified teacher) who can work with the child consistently in the comfort of their own home. The Innovative Learners stand out from other tutoring agencies because we exclusively hire experienced teachers, develop our own curriculum, and provide our students with interactive learning opportunities.

In conclusion, improving your child’s reading level can be a fun and rewarding experience for both you and your child. Building a home library, getting a library card, and focusing on positive reading experiences can help your child develop a lifelong love of reading. Do these tips and find a personal reading tutor for your child. Your child will develop a love of reading and continue to develop skills to ensure they remain on (if not exceed) their appropriate reading level and prevent the summer slide.

Which one will you try first? Join our “Reading Tips for Busy Parents” Facebook group here and let us know!