Hands-On Summer Reading Activities

The very best way I know to practice reading throughout the summer is with movement and hands-on learning. Here are my best ideas for hands-on summer reading activities. 

Each year, I share our plan for summer learning. 

My goal is always to decrease my youngest son’s anxiety and hopefully give him a fun summer while we are at it.

I feel strongly that this is what he needs right now. It’s been a tough year for him in almost every aspect of his young life and he needs a bit of a break. He also needs structure – thus the need for summer learning at all.

To my surprise, I received a few comments on the summer learning post with concerns over stopping any formal reading practice for my son.

My son is profoundly dyslexic. He needs consistent and step-by-step reading instruction and review in order to make progress. The idea of a “summer slide” for a dyslexic child is daunting at best.

I understand the concern. I do.

But I have to say this – my child is so much more than his reading ability. Moreover, right now, his reading ability is not my #1 concern. It’s not even my #4 concern. It’s necessary for him to continue with practice and instruction, to be sure, but not at the expense of his mental and physical health.

Hands-On Summer Reading Activities

When I created our summer learning plan, I never intended to leave out any reading at all. In fact, practicing reading around here is as natural as breathing at this point. The truth is, we will be practicing reading, all summer long. 

But we will only be doing it in ways that feel natural and fun for my son.

Please join me at Weird Unsocialized Homeschoolers for the details. I share 5 Fun Ways To Help Your Struggling Reader This Summer including water play and beach balls.

If you, like me, are planning some learning for the summer, please let me encourage you – do what feels best for your family. For some, that may be an incredibly robust program. For others, it may be nothing at all.

It’s one of the joys of helping our children learn. We get to do what works for them.

Happy Summer Learning!

Shawna

For more summer ideas and encouragement

It’s Odd, But This Is How We Are Getting Reading For Summer Learning

Seven Tips For Learning At Home This Summer