Growing a Reader: Kids' Books, Tips and More

Wonder starts with you! The summer is a great time for your kids to wonder, create and discover, which you can foster by finding fun learning activities for them to participate in, and doing things together as a family.

It’s important for kids to join in learning activities that reflect their personal interests and academic goals all year long because it helps them to build skills, relationships and self-confidence every day.

There are lots of easy activities that you can do at home or in the city. The library also has free, fun and unique programs, collections, services and spaces that support lifelong learning for you and your family to explore throughout the summer.

Here are 10 ideas to get you started:

1. Read. Visit your local library branch or download eBooks, letting your child choose their own. Join the TD Summer Reading Club for free materials to encourage your child to read for fun throughout the summer. Take turns reading with and aloud to your child, and when possible, grab your own book and read alongside them. Talk about what you’ve read together and compare books with the film version.
2. Discover something new. By participating in something new you and your kids may find your latest passion. Participate in a family program at the library, visit a museum or cultural attraction with a Museum + Arts Pass or check out a festival or event.
3. Move your body. Get active with your kids – play at the playground, try a sport together, swim at the local pool, or hike a nature trail – to keep your body and mind healthy.
4. Explore the outdoors. Spend time outside – look at the stars, watch the sunset (or sunrise!), or spend the day at the beach. On your outdoor travels, gather rocks, leaves, or shells to build a nature collection, and check out resources at the library to learn more about your discoveries.
5. Create. Making something with your family is a great way to celebrate everyone’s unique talents. Try cooking together, writing poetry, drawing with chalk on the sidewalk, growing a plant, recording a video, or jamming on musical instruments borrowed from the library.
6. Wonder. Make it your family’s mission to uncover answers to some of life’s toughest questions like “why are guinea pigs called pigs?” For inspiration, visit Wonderopolis, challenge the whole family to share their questions and possible solutions, and then use the library’s resources to find the answers.
7. Play together. Play is how kids learn best, so add family games like fort-building, board game nights, a library scavenger hunt and tag to your summer routine.
8. Get away. Whether it’s a local day trip within the city’s borders or a full-fledged international vacation, use the opportunity for travel to help your child learn how to use a map, find directions or learn more about a new country, culture or language. 
9. Remember when. Share stories about your childhood, especially summers past, and prompt your kids to talk about some of their favourite summer memories. Take photos throughout the summer and then spend some time reminiscing at the end of the summer. To really go back in time, head to Black Creek Pioneer Village or a City of Toronto Historic Site.
10. Find a balance. One of the best things about the summer is the opportunity for kids to take a break from structured activities and enjoy free play time. Unstructured play gives kids a chance to direct their own learning and builds problem-solving skills. So encourage your kids to find things to do on their own and take the chance to put your feet up and relax.