Check out the tab for family explorations related to the arts. We have also included a tab for Huntington Public Library events. Creative moments await you all summer long!

Getting started this summer? Visit the Huntington Public Library and select some new books.

Why Kids Should Pick Their Own Books to Read:

It's widely recognized that reading offers numerous benefits, especially for children who are working on improving their reading comprehension. Educators consistently encourage summer reading, as it's one of the easiest ways for children to retain and even enhance the reading skills they've developed during the school year. Some of the key benefits of summer reading include:

• Maintaining and boosting reading comprehension

• Sparking a love for reading for fun

• Enhancing overall language and literacy skills

• Providing important mental skills such as inferencing, visualizing, and summarizing. 

So, how can you encourage more summer reading and reading at home to help children gain these advantages? The simple answer is: Let them choose what they read!

KIDS & FAMILY READING REPORT: READING ROLE MODELS & BOOKS
"Frequent readers are more likely to be surrounded by others who enjoy reading. In fact, 82% of them say that many or nearly everyone they know loves to read, compared to only 34% of infrequent readers."

THE SUMMER READING IMPERATIVE
1. Academic advancement

One of the significant advantages of summer reading is its positive impact on academic achievement. Studies have consistently shown that children who engage in regular reading during the summer break maintain or even enhance their reading skills. By encouraging your child to read, you can prevent the "summer slide" and ensure they start the new school year with confidence and a strong foundation.

2. Enhanced vocabulary and language skills

Reading exposes children to a wide range of vocabulary and sentence structures. By exploring different genres and styles, children encounter new words, phrases, and ideas, and as a result, enhance their own communication skills. 

3. Improved concentration and critical thinking

Regular reading helps children strengthen their ability to concentrate on a task for an extended period. It also stimulates critical thinking and problem-solving abilities as children engage with the characters, plotlines, and various perspectives.

4. Emotional and social development

Books act as windows into different worlds, cultures, and experiences. By reading diverse literature, children develop empathy and understanding for others and foster their own emotional intelligence. Engaging with characters facing challenges, conflicts, and triumphs helps children develop social and emotional skills that can be applied to real-life situations.

5. Bonding and family time

Establishing a shared reading routine where parents and children read together or discuss books allows for meaningful conversations and connection. It's an opportunity to explore your child's interests, recommend books, and exchange thoughts and ideas.