Children of all ages can take part in the Summer Stars Reading programme, which started on Monday, 19 June in all Limerick Libraries, and runs in libraries nationwide throughout the summer.
The purpose of the free programme is to encourage reading for fun over the summer. To help children keep track of their reading, Summer Stars reading cards are available at all libraries or can be download online. Children can record their reading and get recognition and encouragement each step of the way.
Children can set themselves a reading goal if they wish, but the purpose of the programme is to encourage reading so all children who participate will receive a certificate of achievement from their local library at the end of the summer. Children can share reviews of the books they read online at www.summerstars.ie, where they can also find recommended reading lists for all ages and helpful reading tips.
Libraries all over the country will be hosting lots of in-person and online story-times and fun events. Families can follow their local library on social media to see what’s happening near them. A special Summer Stars collection is also available on Borrowbox, the library service that offers free online eBooks and audiobooks to all library members.
The Summer Stars programme provides the whole family with an opportunity to explore the full range of events and facilities available at the local library, including story-time sessions, book clubs, children’s activities, classes, games, workshops and, of course, children’s books for all ages.
“Reading is a gift that keeps on giving, and children who read for fun really reap the benefits of reading as they get older”, says Minister for Rural and Community Development, Heather Humphreys. “School holidays give children a chance to choose the books they love and enjoy reading as a fun activity. Taking part in Summer Stars initiative is the perfect way to celebrate children’s reading. It helps keep children and young people entertained and in touch with their reading skills while school is in recess.”
Librarians’ top tips for helping kids to find the fun in reading this summer:
-
Encourage children to choose stories they are likely to really enjoy
-
Try to keep stories appropriate to your child’s reading level; if the story is too hard or too easy, they may lose interest or confidence
-
Comic books or graphic novels can be a good way to help children to follow the story if they have difficulty reading or are reluctant readers
-
If they find a word they don’t understand, try to avoid telling the child the meaning straightaway; instead ask them instead to guess what the unknown word is likely to be based on the pictures near to it or by looking at the full sentence around it
-
Give lots of encouragement and praise for even the smallest accomplishment
-
Focus on the enjoyment and fun of reading. If you show an interest in reading and learning yourself, your child will be more likely to follow your lead and explore as well