We’re rapidly losing track of just how many of these articles we start with “it’s been a strange year to be in education…” – but it’s true. Many people in the learning system, whether they’re focusing on getting their ABCs and colours down or finishing their PhD thesis have had to deal with a disrupted year, and some people haven’t made the progress that they’d have liked to. It’s been a struggle, keeping us all safe and making sure that both students and educators have the potential to do what they’re best at, and a lot of us have been spending our downtime just recovering, kicking back and scrolling through our socials.

But with the end of June in sight, summer’s on the way, with six weeks full of long, hazy days that are perfect for settling down with a good book. Although many people in primary and secondary schools this year might find some of their weeks off taken up slightly with summer schools and catch-up programmes, the holidays represent the perfect time to get back into reading, and spend some quality time with the written word.

Reading is one of the best ways can hone our literacy skills at all ages – along with creative writing, it’s one of the simplest activities with which we can indulge in that people tend to find pretty enjoyable and fun. But it doesn’t have to be all cosying down in a comfy nook with The Hobbit or How to Train Your Dragon. Sometimes it’s exciting to shake things up a bit, and blend reading with having fun in the sun, or taking on the great outdoors.

So here are our top 5 summer reading locations for kids – we’re talking SPF 50, staying hydrated and settling down for some page-turning action as we take advantage of the sunshine.

The Outdoor Reading Den

Although it can be fun to create a dedicated reading den in your home, reading can be done anywhere- and sometimes, a new setting can improve focus and make everything feel like a bit more of an adventure. Tents and pop-up shelters can be a fun way to create a little reading nook, or if you’re feeling crafty, creating an old-school shelter out of branches – just fill with cushions and the odd snack or two and they’re set for a day in the back garden whilst travelling to other worlds. You can also turn your outdoor reading pod into the perfect camp-out hideaway – just make sure that there’s adequate lighting for night-time reading, blankets and a mug of hot chocolate within an arm’s reach.

The Beach

Who doesn’t like tearing around on the sands, poking around in rockpools and generally soaking up the sun? But sometimes it’s nice to lie down and relax on the beach too, kick off your flip flops, have an ice cream and just watch the world go by. It’s also the perfect time to get some summer reading done! It’s relaxing, warm and the refreshing sea breeze keeps away thoughts of a mid-afternoon naptime. Just be careful of reading too long in direct sunlight – bright white and glossy pages often give off quite a glare in daylight, so it’s a good idea to take a sun awning, tent or beach umbrella to keep the rays off whilst reading.

On the Plane or on the Train

Some holidays might not be going ahead this year, and air travel might not be back to normal for some time, but if we’re lucky we might be able to jet off to sunnier climes for a few days with family and friends. Books are the perfect pick for stowing in your hand luggage! Nothing passes the time like a good story, and you’ll be landing somewhere sunny before they know it. The same can go for trains – long journeys through the countryside can get old after an hour or so, but a good book is the perfect way to stay entertained as you’re speeding along in style.

With Friends!

The easing of social distancing restrictions in some parts of the world represents a great chance to see friends, as well as get some summer reading done! Reading poetry together or even playing word games is a fun way to pass the time, as is settling down with some of your favourite adventure stories and talking about the parts you love the most. Just make sure to follow your local guidelines, keep spaces well-ventilated (or even better, stay outside!) and use hand sanitiser and face coverings when it’s appropriate.

On Location

We all like living our favourite stories a little bit - it’s fun to pretend you’re the hero of your own adventure, and it’s a great way to capture the imagination and get younger children excited about reading books. If you’re off on a day trip to a castle or a heritage site, it’s a wonderful idea to offer them books with a historical setting, good old Harry Potter titles, or fun factual books like Horrible Histories. If you’re off to the beach for a few days then it’s the perfect time to introduce them to Commotion in the Ocean!