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(ARA) - When school's out for the summer, one of the last things on most students' minds is reading. Yet, according to reading specialists, year-round reading is especially important so that kids don't undo the progress they've made over the previous school year.

"Summer reading is very important in developing life-long reading habits, maintaining reading proficiency and promoting reading for pleasure," says Dr. Mary Howard, Ed.D., a national literacy consultant. "Studies have repeatedly shown that children who continue to read during the summer months perform better when school resumes in the fall. The problem is that outdoor activities and other distractions, such as television, video games and the Internet, often seem more exciting than reading."

Dr. Howard and other educators agree that the challenge is to make summer reading fun so kids don't feel like they're still in school. The following tips can help parents turn their children into year-round, proficient, highly motivated readers:

* Let children participate in choosing books to ensure that reading materials have a special interest to them.

* Lead by example. Make sure your children see you regularly reading for pleasure.

* Turn reading into a family affair. Set aside designated times when everyone in the family can be reading and then share what everyone has learned by talking about books at the dinner table.

* Be diligent in tracking reading time so kids can see the progress they're making and be inspired to read more. Even a few minutes every day can really add up. A new product on the market -- the Mark-My-Time Digital Bookmark -- is designed specifically to help accurately track reading time. It is available this summer at leading bookstores, such as Barnes & Noble, and features a countdown timer with alarm, as well as a cumulative timer to track reading time over an extended period. Because it empowers children to take responsibility for their own reading progress, parents and teachers who have tested it confirm that it helps motivate kids to want to read more.

* Keep books in the car, especially when traveling longer distances, to encourage reading during otherwise "down" times.

* Encourage additional reading on rainy days or after sunset when there are fewer outdoor activities to compete for children's attention. Reading right before bedtime can help calm down otherwise active routines.

* Tie fun activities into your reading routine by either visiting a place in the book being read or doing an activity mentioned in the book. You might also consider a craft or making cookies shaped like a character or image in the book.

* Talk to other parents in your neighborhood about the possibility of creating a summer reading group or circle, so that your children can share the fun of reading with their friends.

* Check with your local library regarding the availability of special summer reading programs and activities.

* Allow kids to read a wide variety of materials. The teacher isn't around, so almost any age-appropriate written material is good, including comic books, children's magazines, game instruction booklets and, of course, traditional books. Anything that helps kids build their vocabulary and comprehension will benefit their overall proficiency and comfort level with reading.

* Most important, be an involved parent in your kids' reading activities. While some independent reading should be encouraged once a child is in the second grade, it's important to listen to kids read aloud to help them with difficult words and ensure comprehension.

Reading should not be a seasonal activity. It should be encouraged and practiced year-round to continue building reading proficiency and good habits.

For more tips on raising a motivated reader, or for a complete listing of retail locations selling the innovative Mark-My-Time Digital Bookmark, visit www.mark-my-time.com.

Courtesy of ARA Content