Between the lines: encourage your child to read over the summer break

With the summer break looming, many parents may be racking their brains about activities to keep their children engaged over the school holidays - not least to avoid the "learning loss" linked to youngsters who are left at loose ends for long periods.

A 2007 study by John Hopkins University, which tracked groups of students from Baltimore, concluded that a long break from books in the summer may mean children lose interest and momentum in reading.

Other research suggest that if children read four to five books during the summer, the effect may be powerful enough to prevent a decline in reading achievement. The long break is a wonderful opportunity for children to explore a range of fun books. The holidays are particularly helpful for parents whose children are struggling readers, as they can select books featuring topics or themes that might spark their child's interest.

Watching age-appropriate movies that are based on books can also serve as a catalyst for reading. Dr Seuss's The Lorax, Hergé's Tintin series, and Judi Barrett's Cloudy With a Chance of Meatballs come to mind.

In his 2004 book The Power of Reading, Stephen Krashen, an education researcher and professor emeritus at the University of Southern California, highlights some important findings:

• Children read more when they see other people reading.
• Hearing stories and discussing them encourages independent reading.
• Children who are read to at least three times a week read better.

As parents, we can help children experience the world of books by reading to them every day and having plenty of books around the house.