Great news. Summer is about to start........Are you ready? More importantly, is your child ready to start READING?! Here is our training theme for the week:

"I LOVE READING!" Yes, we know that "successful people have the largest libraries". We also know that there is a direct correlation between reading and your child's success in school and their success in life. If they struggle at reading they will probably struggle with school. If they struggle with school they will probably struggle with life. So the love of reading is huge. Now here is the key, they DO NOT have to love reading (at the start). They just have to DO IT! Like most things in life starting something new or something you are not good at yet is hard. This is where you come in. If you child already loves reading you have it made. If your child does not absolutely love reading then we have work to do. Our parents have found this program to be one of the most valuable things we do. All athletes know that their biggest gains and improvements are made in the off season, the same rule applies to kids when it comes to reading. I think you will like some of the improvements we have made to the program this year. Here are some tips and guidelines to help you and your child excel:

• This program is mandatory. Everyone is expected to participate but like everything else in life – you get what you put into it! Here is a suggestion – start out strong. Get excited about this program and send the signal to your child that this is important TO YOU.

• Read every day. This may seem hard to some but it really is not. Here is the key – just make it a small habit and use a good trigger. For example, pick something you do every day that has some quiet time before or after. Right after dinner at home. Or, right before bedtime. Or, first thing in the morning while everyone is cuddling in Mom’s bed. And, don’t worry about how much you read just that you do a little almost every day.

• Keep it fun. Take advantage of the fact that during the school year they often have to read things they are not thrilled to read. During the summer they can read what they like. So don’t worry if they read books, magazines or comic books. Let them have fun.

• Make books accessible. Have books around the house. Have books in the car. Always have books with you. Have books that you read too.

• Don’t’ underestimate the power of choice. Kids will read books they like. Help your child find their interest. Building their interest can help even reluctant and struggling readers.

• Take advantage of technology. Kids love those e-readers. You can also listen to books. Put them on your iPod or listen to audiobooks in your car.

• Make reading a family culture. This last one is probably the most powerful. To make this really stick and have the whole family benefit - make reading a family culture. Kids learn by example. They best way to motivate your child to read is to read yourself! Start by saying this all the time – “Our family loves to read – we read every day!” Then turn off the TV and video games and have daily family reading time. Another tip is to have Mom or Dad read to everyone or have older siblings read to their younger siblings.

Our goal is simple and important – to make your child a better reader. “Ohana Karate – Where Success is an Attitude and a Habit!” See you at the dojo and get ready for your best summer ever! Sensei