Fun tips to keep summertime reading sizzling

For many children, it isn't easy to find time for summer reading amid adventure-packed trips to the pool or beach, baseball games or family vacations. Research shows children lose one to three months of learning every summer.

If you want to prevent summer learning loss and motivate your children to be avid lifelong readers, follow these top tips from Reading Is Fundamental (RIF) and the Be A Reader campaign for a summer that's fun-packed but still helps build on your child's education:

* Make reading an adventure by connecting read-aloud choices to summer activities. Choose books that allow children to explore new places, meet new people and discover new things.

* Find a list of baseball teams in the sports section of the newspaper. Put them in A-B-C order and find their cities on a map.

* Are the stars out tonight? Check out a book on the constellations from your local library and find them in the sky.

* Pretend you are going to visit another city or state. Write to a local tourist bureau for more information about your selected destination. Read about your fantasy trip and write about your travel experiences.

* Plan an outing to your favorite nature center, theme park or zoo. Review the destination brochure or website to plan your activities and what you hope to discover once you get there. Read the maps and field guides as you explore.

* Take books along on summer outings. Pack books in the family beach bag, picnic basket or backpack.

* Swap books with a friend. Keep sharing books throughout the summer.

* Play word games or letter hunts when you're on the road. Road signs, license plates, street signs and billboards are filled with letters and words.

* Document summer activities and travels in your personal journal. This will improve writing skills and keep treasured memories fresh.

* Read an e-book together online. Visit BuddigBeAReader.com to select your story, and then provide a brief description about your experience with the book. Parents and children who sign up to read a book together and write a short essay will be eligible to win a $1,000 scholarship bond and a free children's book from Scholastic.

During the yearlong Be A Reader campaign, parents and their children are encouraged to create their own reading and literacy experiences wherever they may be. With the intent of nourishing young minds, Carl Buddig & Company - the lunchmeat brand that has been nourishing families for generations - is partnering with RIF to raise a minimum of $100,000 for children's literacy programs. For more information about the Be A Reader campaign visit www.Buddig.com. For additional tips to help your child discover the joy of reading, visit www.RIF.org.