You know that summer reading loss is a real thing.
The research is clear that kids can go down by two reading levels and sometimes, even more, when they don’t read during the summer months.
Of course, none of us want this so here’s what you can do to help put more books in the hands of more kids during the summer months.
1. Make sure your kids will have access to books this summer.
If you haven’t already, consider chatting with your principal to set up a book room at the school during the summer months. Having a book room at school that kids can visit during the summer months will allow kids to get those ‘just right’ books and keep their reading momentum going.
Now is also a perfect time to get kids excited about the library and the responsibility of library cards. If they don’t have a library card yet, you can easily set this up with your local library and even take a quick trip before school is out. We’ve seen some schools coordinate this as a visit to the library on a Saturday. This helps get the parents involved too!
2. Gifting books as a parting gift.
At the end of the school year, consider gifting students a book or even a few books that are right at their reading level. Even if you’re only able to give them one book at their level, this will provide them with a jump start for the summer. Sign the inside cover with a personalized encouraging note too!
This is an excellent time to use those saved up Scholastic bonus points!
3. Help your kids make reading plans.
Give students a hand in creating a reading plan for them to follow during the summer. Consider the topics they love most, a series, and even genres that spark their curiosity. Think about what kinds of characters your kids want to go on adventures with and add those books to their plans.
Also, remember to consider the logistics around kids’ summer reading — Will they read before bed? Before, during, or after camp? On vacation? Help them set a time of day that will be easiest for them to stick with for the most reading success.
Then you can help them create a summer reading calendar and mark it with the books they’ll read, when they’ll read them, and how each book should take.
4. Make sure kids understand WHY it’s important to read all summer long.
Lastly, remind your kids of how far they’ve come this school year as readers and writers. Talk to them about summer reading loss and how sad it could be if they came back to school in the fall to find out they took a few steps backward.
We hope you found these simple tips helpful as you prepare your kids for a successful summer getting lost in stories.
Also, please share the information from this email with parents so that they can get on board and support kids in sticking to their summer reading plans.
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Here’s to summer reading!
