During summer books might be the last thing on your child's mind.

During summer books might be the last thing on your child's mind.

Most kids are ready for a break and happy to trade in reading, writing and arithmetic for family holidays and lazy beach days.

But many studies have shown that children who read when they're away from school perform better academically than those who don't.

Here are some ways to get even the most reluctant reader engaged in a reading adventure.

lUse Hollywood to inspire your child to read. Take advantage of movies and DVDs that are based on books for your child's age.

Renting the DVD of Roald Dahl's Charlie and the Chocolate Factory gives you an opportunity to introduce your younger child to other books by the same author, such as James and the Giant Peach or The BFG.

lPlay a reading game at your library or start your own book club.Compile a reading list and if children read all of the titles within a certain time they win a prize.

lInvolve your child in planning your family holiday. Have your child research the sites you will visit by consulting programmes, brochures, guidebooks and the Internet.

lVisit a comic shop. The transformation of classic comic strips such as Scooby-Doo, Spiderman and Batman into major motion pictures has renewed an interest in comic books.

They make especially good reading material for visual and artistic learners. Encourage your child to read comics and even create his own comic strip.

lRead instruction pamphlets. This kind of "practical" reading helps children connect reading with hands-on learning.

Reading instructions for building projects or assembling games can give children a real sense of accomplishment.

lRead the newspaper aloud. Start reading parts of newspaper articles aloud and encourage your child to do the same.

Some newspapers even have children's sections. - Great Schools