Break is perfect time for reading

Although spring break is an annual event, Leslie Gelders, director of the Literacy Resources Office in the state Libraries Department, sees this year’s break as a place to start.

Gelders said parents need to start reading to their children early on. But if you haven’t, why not start now?

"Spring is about new beginnings, so families could decide to devote time each day to reading aloud,” Gelders said. "And it’s important for parents to set the stage by being readers themselves. Parents are the ultimate role models, and children look up to them.”

Adrienne Butler, Youth Services Librarian at the Libraries Department, said reading during spring break can offer children some of the same opportunities as reading during summer break.

"Like summer vacation, spring break can be a perfect time to break old routines and explore,” Butler said. "With no homework on the schedule, it’s a good week to read for the simple joy of it. Nothing else creates lifelong readers more than the act of reading for pleasure.”

Butler said the vacation offers caregiver and child time to incorporate activities. For instance, if the child is reading about animals, you might visit the zoo or a local farm.

"You could have your child draw or act-out scenes from a story,” Butler said.

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