Summer break is almost over, and between distance learning and in-person learning and all the challenges that the past year has presented, you’re still trying to figure out how to keep your little one on track. It’s easy to fall into the habit of screentime and summertime laziness, especially when it is hot outside. Luckily, we have rounded up some of our favorite fun ways to keep your child interested in reading and learning this summer. Keep reading for more on making reading fun, plus a fun Panda-themed DIY you can incorporate!
Panda Play Tent
Your little one is sure to have a bear-y awesome time in our Panda Play Tent! This 48″ L x 48″ W x 42″ H durable black and white dome tent features an adorable panda graphic on the tie-up door, and even more adorable feet at the bottom. We think there is no better place to read than curled up in one of our tents, and this one is perfect.
At the top, No-See-Um mesh promotes air circulation while keeping pesky bugs away and the waterproof floor makes spills easy to clean up — and even easier to play with outside. It’s made with high-quality polyester to prevent common rips and tears, and whatever other pandamonium your little ones might have inside!
DIY Bamboo Wands
An easy and fun craft, our DIY Bamboo Wands are the perfect thing to keep little hands busy during reading time or any time. To make reading more fun, you can use the DIY Bamboo Wands as a pointer for words, letters, or pictures during reading or for just good ole imaginative play!
What You Need
- Bamboo sticks
- Glue gun
- Twine
- Green paint
- Printable
- Marker
- Double-sided tape
How You Make It
- Grab two sticks of bamboo of the same desired length.
- TIP: We to cut ours into roughly 12-inch pieces. Make sure the pieces you grab roughly fit each other, especially at the top and bottom. This will be important for the gluing portion!
- Paint the sticks with green paint.
- TIP: You might need to do a few coats, as the paint might peel depending on how the bamboo is treated. Let the paint dry between each coat for optimal results!
- Once the sticks are fully dry and you are happy with how they look, glue the two pieces together at two points at the top and bottom.
- Glue the end of the twine starting at the bottom of your two sticks and start wrapping around about 1.5 inches.
- Then, glue the other end once you have reached the top.
- Print out the printable and have kids color them in with a marker or crayon.
- Cut out the leaf from the printable and wrap the stem around the top part of the sticks.
- TIP: We used double-sided tape to secure it
- Let the magic begin!
More Ways to Make Reading Fun
Curling up in a tent is, obviously, our favorite way to make reading fun. Kids love having their own little space, aside from their bedroom, and a play tent is an easy and fun way to fulfill that. Moreover, having a dedicated area just for reading makes it that much more enjoyable. You can take it up a notch by putting blankets, pillows, a small bookshelf, and twinkle lights in your tent for a super cozy space.
Other ways to make reading more enjoyable in the summer include:
- Make It Part of Your Schedule. Getting into the habit of reading involves repetition, and that means making it part of your child’s schedule. If your child prefers to read at night, work in an extra 15-30 minutes for reading time after a bath and before bedtime. If they like to read during the day, make sure it is after some physical activity. They will be better able to pay attention to the book, and it will be a great way to help them unwind.
- Get Caught Up in a Series. There’s nothing better than a good cliffhanger! Get a series of books to read with your little one and get all caught up in it. Talk about how excited you are to get to the next chapter or book during times when you’re not reading for that added sparkle.
- Make Getting Books Fun. One of the easiest ways to get your child more excited about reading is by having them choose the books — and make it fun! Have a fun day at the local bookstore or, if you’re not comfortable in crowds yet, sit down at the computer and have them pick some out from Amazon. You can also keep the package tracking window open and watch their excitement grow!
- Earn Rewards. When in doubt, reward it out! Add reading time to their chore boards, or have them earn rewards when they read a certain amount of pages or chapters. They can earn bonus points the more detail they give you so you know they aren’t “lying” about it!
Let Us Know!
How do you like to keep your little one interested in reading in the summertime? If you made our DIY Bamboo Wand craft, or have the Panda Play Tent, we want to see! Make sure you tag us on social media and you might even be featured on our page. Happy reading!