Summer Reading

Soak up Summer Reading!

Let's get ready for our summer reading lives to begin!

The research is clear, that no matter what children accomplish during the school year, if they don't read over the summer, their learning stalls or regresses (Cooper, Borman, &Fairchild, 2010). We also know that readers motivated for personal reasons are more likely to remain interested in reading than readers who are externally motivated through rewards (Marinak & Gambrell, 2008). Let us remind kids that reading is its own reward and gives immeasurable gifts to its readers! We know how important it is to keep our summer reading momentum going and I hope the resources below will help you to continue to foster a love of reading at home. These resources are for K-5 students, as always check to see what your child would be interested in.

We need to ensure readers at home have 3 main things:

1. TIME to read. Carry books with you everywhere, to the appointments, in the car driving and any moments where there may be "waiting time." Squeezing reading in the "edges of your day" matters and is beneficial. Show them you value reading as well. Carry a book with you too! Limit screen time!

2. ACCESS to books. Use the public library!! It is FREE and the children's librarians are so knowledgeable. You will likely see WB teacher librarians there a lot this summer and we would love to connect with students in that space.

3. CHOICE to read what they want! We must provide opportunities and encouragement for students to self-select their summer reading material. Choice is a huge factor in human motivation. We know that children who are given choices for summer reading, read more! Let your child(ren) choose books at the library and if they are too challenging for them to read independently, read it aloud to them or search for an audio book. Reading with your ears counts.

Enjoy a wonderful summer of rest, relaxation and reading!

Happy Reading!

Mrs. Colleen Mestdagh

District iCenter Coordinator

Doherty Teacher/Librarian