Keep kids’ reading skills sharp
BUT I HATE READING! The best way to keep your child from backsliding academically over summer vacation is to keep up a daily reading schedule. Here are some tips for getting reluctant readers into a summer reading habit.
1. Set a good example. Kids are more likely to develop a reading habit when they see their parents reading.
2. Remove barriers to reading, such as lights-out time as long as they are reading. Younger readers will fall asleep with a book, while after the age of 12, kids might keep reading all night, so then lights-out will be needed.
3. Connect to nonfiction. Look for short, easy-to-read books in a subject that truly interests your child (sports, drawing, jokes).
4. Explore the riches of fiction. Some possibilities are scary story collections, folk and fairy tales and mysteries.
5. Look beyond books. Introduce your child to the magazine and newspaper selection of your library and spend an hour or two reading together.
6. Embrace comics. Now known as graphic novels, comics have the blessing of experts in education and literacy for helping language development.
7. Consider large print. Reluctant readers are usually won over by bigger print. Even Harry Potter comes in large print.
8. Consider small screens. Reading Web pages with text is an excellent motivator. Ask your librarian for good sites for kids.
9. Experiment with different formats. Tapes and CDs are not only good for car trips, but they complement print versions for kids who need a jumpstart to get into a book.
Bicycle safety matters
More cyclists are hitting the road for recreation, transportation and exercise. The most common bicyclist accidents occur close to home and are the result of falls. Extra precautionary steps are urged to prevent injury. Factors that contribute to bicycle accidents include inattention to obstacles in the bicycle path, excessive speed, maneuvering to avoid vehicles or pedestrians, and not wearing the proper safety equipment.
The American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons offer these bicycle safety tips.
Always wear a helmet; make sure it fits snugly and does not obstruct your vision.
Make certain the bicycle is the proper size for the rider.
Make sure your bicycle is properly adjusted and well maintained. Replace broken or missing parts.
Wear bright fluorescent colors and avoid biking at night. If you have to ride your bike at night, make sure you have a working headlight visible for 500 feet and rear reflectors.
Stay alert and watch for obstacles in your pathway.
Ride with traffic and be aware of traffic around you. Obey traffic laws.
Don’t ride double or attempt stunts.
Avoid loose clothing and wear appropriate footwear.
Dress for the weather.
Additional safety tips and injury prevention information on cycling and more can be found at www.aaos.org.
Park playground programs begin
Free “Kids of Summer” park playground programs are underway at 13 city parks, sponsored by the Spokane Parks and Recreation Department. Program hours are 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday-Friday through Aug. 5 at the following parks: Audubon, A.M. Cannon, Cannon Hill, Chief Garry, Coeur d’Alene, Corbin, Friendship, Glass, Grant, Harmon, Hays, Nevada and Underhill.
Weekly activities include games, arts and crafts, tournaments, special events, sports, drama, music, nature, dance and literacy. Children are supervised while taking part in the regular activities, but are free to come and go as they choose. Younger children should be accompanied by an adult or responsible older child when in the park.
Also included is the USDA free breakfast and lunch for children 18 years and younger.