The sun has been shining for weeks now in Ireland. It is absolutely glorious! It has been a fantastic start to the school holidays for all of us!

While school might be out for Summer learning certainly is not! I am busy completing a course on Junior Drama. I can’t wait to try out all the new games and techniques that I am learning this week!

I always encourage parents to continue reading to and with their children over the summer. It has been proven that reading for 20 minutes per day has a hugely positive impact on literacy rate and reading fluency. In fact reading for 20 min per day equates to 10 school days per year according to U.S research. Click on the link below if you are curious!

I just love to read. I think that it is probably one of my favourite things to do when on holiday! I am loving the fact that I can buy books instantly on iTunes for my iPad. My latest download is “Orange is the new black” by Piper Kerman. Netflix have adapted it into a tv series. I just love true stories and this one is fascinating!

I will leave you with this poem to reflect on. It certainly got me thinking! Check back tomorrow for the start of my summer reading for kids. It promises to be fun!!!

20 MINUTES A DAY

Read to your children
Twenty minutes a day;
You have the time,
And so do they.
Read while the laundry is in the machine;
Read while dinner cooks;
Tuck a child in the crook of your arm
And reach for the library books.
Hide the remote,
Let the computer games cool,
For one day your child will be off to school;
Remedial? Gifted? You have the choice.
Let them hear their first tales,
In the sound of your voice.
Read in the morning,
Read over noon,
Read by the light of
Goodnight Moon.
Turn the pages together,
Sitting close as you’ll fit,
‘Till a small voice beside you says,
“Hey, don’t quit.”