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Tips to make summer reading more fun?

Well, everyone’s favorite season, the summer. The time when days are longer, the sun shines brighter, and our daily program seem to go more towards outdoor activities and relaxation than any other season.

But, there's one popular summer activity that, for others, can feel more like a duty than an enjoyable break called summer reading.

Whether it's a must-do assignment from school or a personal goal to handle the difficult areas in your learning, reading a good book under the warm sun should feel more like a pleasure than a task. If you've ever found yourself struggling with summer reading, worry not.

This article is tailored to give you ideas on how to make your summer reading challenge a breeze! So, are you ready to make the experience more fun.?

Dive right in!

Summer Reading Overview

Summer reading refers to a list of books, reading, or holiday assignments required or recommended by schools, libraries, or other learning institutions during the summer break.

The primary aim is to encourage students and the general public to continue reading even when academic sessions are on a break.

While the term often relates to educational sectors, it can also include personal reading goals that people set for themselves during the summertime.

Why is Summer Reading Important

Summer reading is an important activity for people who want to improve their reading skills, school performance, and the general satisfaction that comes with relaxing during summer breaks.

But what else make this activity so important? Let’s look at them in the section below.

• Preventing the Summer Slide

Various studies have shown that students can experience a decline in their reading and different academic skills during the summer months, usually known to as the 'summer slide'.

Engaging in summer reading helps keep students updated on their skills and learning abilities, counteracting this decline to ensure students return with the learning moods.

It is also the best moment to prepare for any oncoming online tests for your private studies or skill improvement.

• Promotion of Lifelong Reading Habits

Establishing a reading routine during the break creates a long-lasting love for reading. When students choose books that they are genuinely interested in, they are more likely to develop a habit of reading for information and pleasure.

• Improved Cognitive Skills

Reading isn't just about recognizing and sounding words on a page. It improves cognitive functions, boosts vocabulary, increases empathy through understanding different perspectives, and enhances knowledge on several topics.

• Mental Escape and Relaxation

Especially during summers when outdoor activities might be limited due to extreme heat or travel restrictions, books offer a mental escape.

They take readers to different worlds, times, and places, providing a refreshing mental break from daily bustles.

• Building Knowledge and Cultural Awareness

By collecting varied summer reading lists and book collections, students are exposed to a wide range of cultures, contemporary issues, and historical events. This expands their horizons and promotes global awareness and cultural understanding.

In reality, summer reading has a major role in both the academic and personal growth. Whether you want to prevent academic decline or to just to enjoy the pleasure of a good book on a sunny day, summer reading remains a fulfilling tradition.

Image alt text:  a summer reading challenge session in progress.

Author credit: By Bonner Springs Library - The Summer Reading Cove, CC BY 2.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=109266483

Ways to make you summer reading more enjoyable

The following are some of the ways you can use to make your summer reading challenge fun.

1. Gamify Your Reading

Nothing can make a task more enjoyable than turning it into a game. Challenges and games can make reading more interactive and competitive.  Here are some summer reading challenge ideas you can utilize to get started:

• Bingo Board: Create a bingo board game filled with reading prompts (e.g., "Read a book with a blue cover", "Pick a book set in another country"). Every time you complete a prompt, mark it off. Aim for a full line or a full house depending on the game.
• Points System: Assign points to different books based on their length or complexity. The more challenging the book, the higher the points. Set up a rewards system for when you hit certain milestones. Maybe 50 points earns you a treat, or 200 points earns you a day out!

Last summer, I took on a points-based challenge and found it ridiculously addictive. The reward? A day well spent free from binge-watching my favorite TV show after getting 250 points.

2. Try Different Genres

Expanding your reading areas can make the whole process more fun. Varying what you read can keep things fresh. Historical fiction can transport you back in time, fantasy books offers magical escapades, and mystery books let you play detective.

Changing genres can be like taking multiple summer trips from your couch.  Ever considered these genres?

• Historical Fiction: Travel back in time and experience life in another era.
• Fantasy: Let your imagination roam free in worlds filled with magic and mythical creatures.
• Mystery: Play detective and try to solve the crime before the protagonist does.

Fact: According to Pew Research, around 14% of U.S. adults have read a book in the past year in the mystery, thriller, or crime genre. Why not join the ranks?

3. Share Your Summer Reading Experience

Sharing your summer reading challenge ideas and experiences with friends can make the journey a lot more entertaining. Join book clubs, be it local ones in libraries or cafes, or virtual clubs online. Discussing and dissecting books with fellow readers adds depth to the experience.

• Local Book Clubs: Many libraries or cafes host monthly book club meetings. It’s a great place to meet fellow book lovers and share various insights, challenges and experience. In such places, you can also get new ideas of how to overcome personal reading challenges.
• Virtual Book Clubs: Can't make it in person? No worries! There are plenty of online platforms where book enthusiasts come together to discuss their recent reads.

Data Table: Percentage of Americans participating in Book Clubs:

Age Group	Percentage
18-29	8%
30-49	15%
50-64	13%
65+	10%

Source: National Reading Habits Survey, 2022

Commonly Asked Questions About Summer Reading

• Why is summer reading important?

Summer reading combats the 'summer slide' where reading and academic skills can decline during vacations. By consistently reading, you maintain and potentially enhance these skills, preparing for the next academic cycle.

• Can I only read books?

Of course not! Diversify with magazines, newspapers, audiobooks, and graphic novels. They add variety and spice to your reading journey, ensuring that you have multiple ways to engage with summer reading challenge ideas.

• How many books should I aim to read?

It's not about quantity but the quality of the experience. Whether you delve into one comprehensive book or navigate through ten, the key is to savor and enjoy each narrative.

Conclusion

Summer epitomizes relaxation and rejuvenation. With these strategies in hand, your summer reading can mirror this essence.

Be it by gamifying the process, diving into uncharted literary territories, or sharing the joy of reading with others, these summer reading challenge ideas promise to make your reading journey a sun-kissed adventure.

Ready to embark?