It’s finally summer, and parents everywhere are breathing a sigh of relief that they no longer have to continue school and homework activities with their kids every day. COVID-19 isolation restrictions are lifting in some areas, and military kids are ready to return to a sense of normalcy and a summer full of fun!
But with this newfound freedom comes a new problem: families now need to figure out what to do with their kids at home all summer, when most large group gatherings like camps and classes are still on hold. Now that there are no longer homework assignments to complete, what summer plans do your kids have besides endless hours of screen time? Are you searching for safe ways to keep your kids active and learning, without risking exposure to large groups that may spread the virus? Then the MWR Summer Reading Program may be the perfect solution for you and your kids.
During a normal summer (one that doesn’t involve recovering from a pandemic), installation libraries are a great resource with a variety of activities for military kids. The annual MWR Summer Reading program may look a bit different this year. If your installation library is not yet open to patrons due to COVID-19, don’t worry – you can virtually join your community and read this summer. Adults and children can participate and record summer reading minutes from home with any book—whether it’s from the bookshelf at home or an eBook or audiobook accessible for free through the MWR Digital Library.
Find your local installation library online for more information on how you and your family can virtually participate in this year’s MWR Summer Reading program. Your library will have information on how to record your minutes and may provide reading suggestions for all age ranges.
The Summer Reading Program is an excellent way for families to encourage reading. Kids who claim they don’t like reading will be motivated to read a few minutes each day and kids who already love reading will be excited to spend their afternoons quietly curled up with a good book. As a parent, you can feel good about keeping your child’s mind and imagination sharp during summer break. Reading provides great opportunities for growth and development.
I have five kids, four of them in school, and we have participated in the Summer Reading Program at our base library every year since they were toddlers. It has been one consistent part of our summer routine, no matter where we were stationed. This summer, we will continue to participate in the virtual MWR Summer Reading Program. I encourage you to check out the opportunity at your installation library, and get your kids signed up for a summer of reading adventures.
I am looking for a reading program for my 2nd grader to improve his reading skills.