News You Can Use
Summer is a time for children to play-and also read
University Relations
News Bureau (662) 325-3442
Contact: Susan Hughes
May 31, 2006
STARKVILLE, Miss.-With the school year ending, many parents find themselves searching for activities to keep their children busy during the summer months.
While programs and camps are available to keep kids physically active, parents should also encourage their children to read in order to continue their mental growth while school is not in session, says a Mississippi State University specialist in early childhood education.
"Our lives are so busy, it is sometimes hard for families to find time to communicate," professor Nancy Verhoek-Miller says. "Communication is essential to expanding a child's mind."
Local libraries traditionally offer free summer reading programs or story times. By talking to the librarian about their child's interest or researching titles on the Internet, parents can find books their children will enjoy.
Reading, writing and even talking can help children develop vocabularies and an appreciation for words. Verhoek-Miller suggests parents start the communication process by focusing on their children's preferences. Among others, her suggested activities list includes:
- Keeping a journal about daily activities;
- Developing their own stories or picture books; and
- Discussing in some detail what they see while traveling or even waiting in line.
To better spur young imaginations, Verhoek-Miller also urges mom and dad to make a conscious effort to employ descriptive words when talking with children.
Additionally, children need to see their parents enjoying reading and writing. As Verhoek-Miller explains, children respond to enthusiasm and learn behaviors from their environment.
"You don't have to force reading," Verhoek-Miller says. "Intermixing it with other activities will prevent children from looking at it as a chore and let them have fun with it."