Summer is a great time to revisit your family’s reading habits. Reading can include:

Reading not only helps to reduce screen time, it can help to nurture your child’s brain development and self-regulation skills.

Rhythm: Young children need their adults to help them regulate but older children and teens feel the rhythm of the family, too. Think of your family rhythm as a heartbeat - how fast is it beating? Does your nervous system crave a slower pace of rest and recovery?
Routines: When reading is a part of our routines, it allows for children to have self-reg built into their day. Young children may want to read together long after they know how to read on their own - this is normal.
Rituals: These are the things we do together that support reading as a health behaviour. This might include a visit to the local library on the same day each week. For older children, they may wish to listen to an audio book together with you while making art or driving to practice. Teens may like to start or join a book club or social media page. Sleepcasts are a great way to slow down a busy brain before bed.

My reading list for young readers that love adventure, full colour illustrations, and fun:

Kitty (series of six books)

Author: Paula Harrison

Illustrated by Jenny Lovlie

Mr. Wolf’s Class (series of five books)

Author: Aron Nels Steinke

Investigators (series of eight books)

Author: John Patrick Green

Mac B. Kid Spy (series of six books)

Author: Mac Barnett

Illustrated by: Mike Lowery

Let me know your favourites.

Happy summer reading!

Jenna

My Summer Reading List (for young readers!)

Family fun with nature crowns