What can parents do to help their children continue to develop strong literacy skills during the summer?

Summer is here and children will be released from school in a matter of weeks to enjoy a fun-filled ten weeks. How I wish for those days again! Yet, summer holidays pose a potential risk for children if we do not ensure that part of their fun includes our consistent and persistent attention to literacy development. Teachers know and experts agree, that what is often referred to as the "summer slide" can harm children's educational progress. Reading is a skill for life and as with any skill, practice is key. Studies have shown that children who read more become better readers. Children who read over the summer months often gain, rather than lose, important skills. When children become better readers, reading becomes a more enjoyable and they want to read more.

Our children have made gains for an entire school year, thanks to the efforts of teachers and the structures provided by school. Daily attention to reading, writing, speaking and listening support the continuous development of the ability to communicate well and to meet the demands of the curriculum. However, as parents and caretakers, we cannot assume that what has been learned over the course of ten structured months of school will be sustained over ten weeks of vacation. So as I write this article, I am thinking as both a parent and educator. How do we intertwine the continuous attention of literacy development and proficiency, but at the same time, make it fun and a natural part of our children's lives especially during the long summer vacation?

Parents can do some initial groundwork before school ends for the summer. Make an appointment to see your child's teacher and find out the types of books your child can read well. Ask for writing samples and have the teacher speak with you about the types of writing explored during the year. It would be useful to get information about the reading and writing selections your child will explore during the new school year. For example, if your child is entering into year three of primary school, are they going to be learning how to write and read informational texts? If so, you can go to your local library and ask for assistance picking out these types of texts for shared reading experiences with your child. You can also use the structure of these books to help your child craft their own writing pieces.

Schools can also provide parents with recommended word lists, reading lists and writing topics that will prepare students for the new school year. Working together, schools and parents can organise a book-borrowing scheme to ensure that required texts can be borrowed over the summer and returned at the start of school.

Schools can set up summer reading incentive competitions to keep students reading all summer. These competitions require students to read extensively for reward and recognition. This is a great reading motivator over the summer holidays and a positive way to begin the school year. This activity involves everyone – family, school and community.

For students who are at risk of literacy failure or being recommended for retention, it is critical that parents and schools to work together to set up tutoring sessions throughout the summer.

Certified teachers are better tutors and will know the content of the curriculum to be covered. A minimum of two to three times a week for tutoring is recommended throughout the summer. This must become priority as summer loss for students already at risk for literacy failure, elevates the amount of ground they will need to cover in the new school year.

Parents should seek well-qualified literacy teachers if they are faced with a child who is struggling. Again, go to your child's school and seek the recommendation of the Principal for the best teachers that may be able to offer this kind of assistance.

Finally, structure time every day for reading and writing throughout the summer. Have your child read for a minimum of 15 minutes each day. Purchase a special journal for writing each day. The writing could capture the daily activities or be a reflection of the reading. This daily record can be shared with the school in September as documented proof of your efforts to support your child's sustained literacy development. Children learn through a variety of activities, and almost everything we do presents an opportunity to read. When eating breakfast, read the cereal box, if you are in a restaurant, read the menu. Read the newspaper and discuss topics of interest and topics that will expand their knowledge of the world we live in. Most importantly, let your child see you as a reader and writer-even on the beach during the family picnic. Set the example that will be a natural part of your family throughout the summer months.