Summer Reading
Study Reveals Summer Reduces Student Reading Ability
Did you know that during the summer months, the average student's reading ability drops by as much as one month of grade level, and in some instances, even more?
That's what researchers at Johns Hopkins University discovered during a study with elementary schoolchildren. The results underscore the importance of the availability of learning alternatives for students during the summer months when school is not in session.
On a more positive note, parents can help ensure that their child stays at or even slightly ahead of grade level by simply having them read just six grade-level books over summer break.
In addition, educators consider summer reading to be very important in the development of lifelong reading habits, as well as maintaining literacy skills. It is documented that children who continue to read over the summer months perform better when school begins.
Printable Handouts for Parents (2 options)
Includes Dewey Decimal Information PDF (205 kB)
Includes Library of Congress Information PDF (200 kB)
Tips to Make Summer Reading Fun for Your Child
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Read the Book/Watch the Movie:Students will get a kick out of seeing a book they've read come to life on the big screen!
Suggested Booklist: Books to Movies -
Browse the Shelves:Let your student browse the shelves of your local library, looking for factual titles of interest. Use the convenient Dewey chart on the PDF handout to locate specific subjects!
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Choose Books That Go with Summer:Whether it's a book about summer sports or a summer activity, choosing a book that has some sort of summer theme will offer the reader more of a connection.
Suggested Booklist: Summer Activities - Chapter Books
Suggested Booklist: Summer Activities - Graphic Novels
Suggested Booklist: Summer Activities - Novels
Suggested Booklist: Summer Activities - Picture Books -
Engage the Imagination:Get your reader involved in a book with a good mystery, activity book, or investigation resource.
Suggested Booklist: Engage the Imagination - Activities
Suggested Booklist: Engage the Imagination - Investigation
Suggested Booklist: Engage the Imagination - Mystery
How Do I Get My Child to Read During the Summer?
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Public Library Programs:Most public libraries offer summer programs for students, and best of all, they are usually FREE!
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Offer Incentive:Create a personal accomplishment chart with stickers and reward your reader with a special treat when the chart is completed.
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Locate Books that Interest Your Child:Ask your child what he/she enjoys reading about. If you get a blank stare, refer to a school or public library summer reading list, as they are bound to have something of interest.