Summer reading suggestions: Kindergarten & 1st grade

Summer has started and I know my kids are loving the freedom from our regular school routine. But I also know that it's essential that they stay engaged with reading throughout the summer. Kids who don't read over the summer will lose up to two months of reading growth - see this Reading Rockets article for more details on the research.

Parents can help their kids read over the summer by providing them access to books -- all sorts of different books. Here are some great ways to add reading to your summer plans:

• Try to go to the library after work together or on a weekend. 
• Look online and request your favorite books from your library.
• Explore websites for places you want to visit. Let your child navigate while you guide.
• Balance summer activities, with time for body (outdoor fun) and mind (reading, writing, sudoku)
• Talk with your kids about their reading - share the fun, excitement - read together!
• Encourage kids to read whatever they want - enjoy the freedom from school's rules and requirements
• Use books to break the boredom! Try to break the habit of always turning to electronics for entertainment.

Below are summer reading lists I developed for our school community. This week I'll share all our elementary reading lists. Below, you can download the lists for kids who've just finished Kindergarten & 1st grade. Please feel free to download these, print them and share with your friends.

Kindergarten Summer Reading List 2013 by Mary Ann Placzek Scheuer

1st grade Summer Reading List 2013 by Mary Ann Placzek Scheuer

Most of all, try to make summer reading time a fun, relaxing part of your summer!

©2013 Mary Ann Scheuer, Great Kid Books