Top tips to keep your child reading this summer
- educationboutique
- Jun 12, 2019
- 3 min read
With the summer holidays fast approaching you may be racking your brain trying to think of ways to keep the kids entertained – especially with this unpredictable weather we are currently experiencing! But fear not; we’ve got you covered! Reading is a free, stimulating and educational experience; it can take you on incredible journeys and can be done rain, hail or shine. Today's post will focus on reading based activities and resources in Berkshire and Surrey. Some activities mentioned may require a small fee, however our sole purpose for mentioning these is to inspire children to read, explore, create and learn – there are absolutely no paid endorsements involved.
First, here is a useful link on how to motivate children to keep up with their reading over the summer:
Next up is the always eaxciting Summer Reading Challenge! For 2019 the theme is ‘Space Chase’, inspired by the 50th anniversary of the first moon landing. The official launch date is 13th July but local variations may apply so be sure to check in with your local library!
For those budding astrologists or those keen to write their own space adventures off the back of the reading challenge, the Science Museum has a Summer of Space Festival which celebrates the history of human space explorations and looks towards future endeavours. Entry to the museum is free and several of the activities are also free.
Does your community have a Book Exchange? Sunningdale and Holyport both run a book drop off/pick up/ exchange service out of old telephone boxes. Check to see if there is one in your surrounding area! Charity shops are another great resource for second books and by purchasing from them you will also be supporting very deserving charities.
For those film buffs who love experiencing stories brought to life: Chobham Rugby Football Club is showing screenings of Finding Nemo and The Greatest Showman on Saturday 20th July. There are suggested donations listed on their Facebook page and all proceeds will go to Woking & Sam Beare Hospices. South Hill Park is screening Aladdin on 14th August (Aladdin will also be South Hill’s Park Pantomime this Christmas!), The Secret Life of Pets 2 on 21st August and Toy Story 4 on 26th August.
Libraries: Please check in with your local libraries for their summer programs, the majority of their activities are free or require a very small donation/fee. It is also worth checking out your local library’s regular events. There are Lego clubs and chess clubs run at many libraries. Many of the libraries in Surrey run Chatterbooks – a children’s reading group (ages 7-11). Guildford library ran a Doctor Who Virtual Reality Event in May half term and although nothing is yet scheduled for summer, definitely check in at a later date as they seem to be quite common events! Some of these activities are held during term time only but some are continued throughout the school holidays.
History very often inspires our young learners to write stories set in a previous time. Below are a list and links to local museums with fantastic exhibitions that you can visit for free or at a minimal cost:
Windsor & Royal Borough Museum Guildhall – the museum also often runs holiday activities for children.
Maidenhead Heritage Centre
The History on Wheels Museum
River and Rowing Museum
This museum is a little pricier, however admission tickets are valid for 12 months. They have an incredible Wind in The Willows interactive exhibition that really brings this children’s classic to life.
Books can take you on amazing adventures without ever leaving the house; books can make the best travel companions and reading opens up our worlds to endless possibilities! But remember the key to getting children passionate about reading is to find books that they love on topics that they engage with. Happy reading everyone and let’s hope that some of this reading can take place in the sunshine!
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