Photo: Eliot Reyna for Unsplash
A children's librarian is hoping young people will embrace reading this summer.
Auckland Libraries whānau learning specialist Lawren Matrix warned children could lose up to six months of progress if they stop reading over the school holidays.
"It means they spend their first term back at school getting their literacy and reading levels back to where they were at the end of the previous year.
"We call this the summer slide or summer reading loss.
"Tamariki, whānau, and kaiako work hard to get reading levels up. Not only do they start the year having lost all that work, but it has a compounding effect and they are always trying to catch up."
Lawren Matrix's family, Sila-Jay Matrix, Renzo Cruz Matrix, and John-Eze Matrix (Ngai Tūhoe) reading with their dad Jon Esekielu. Photo: Supplied / Lawren Matrix
Studies in New Zealand and overseas have shown a long summer break could result in a loss of reading gains made during the year for some primary school pupils.
Matrix said at least 15 minutes of reading a day was recommended, but even a few minutes would make a difference.
She acknowledged parents were busy, and sometimes devices were needed to keep children occupied.
"Families want their children to be off devices and playing outside or reading a book.
"If we can make reading a habit and get them feeling good vibes, hopefully, we're setting them up to continue reading for pleasure as they get older."
Her advice to families was to make reading fun.
"Read as a family and empower your kids to read about what they're interested in."
She also suggested listening to audiobooks or VOX Books, especially for reluctant readers.
Until 26 January, children in Auckland could pick up a summer reading tracker and activity handouts from libraries across the city.
Matrix, who led the Raumati Reads summer reading programme for 5- to 10-year-olds, said participants would earn stickers and prizes for completing activities and reaching daily reading milestones.
Auckland Libraries had also put together a suggested reading list, highlighting local authors and Children's Book Awards winners.
Matrix said the programme, which was introduced in 2023, had helped hundred of parents keep their children reading.
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