Good Spirit School Division and the Parkland Regional Library have joined forces to launch an exciting reading promotion this summer. The goal is to entice students through library doors and to keep books in the hands of students after classrooms empty for the summer. Research shows that students who read four or more books over the summer are better prepared for the coming school year and do not go down the ‘summer slide’ — the loss of reading and learning skills during the summer break.
Having reading materials available is key to helping children love to read, and the reading materials kids choose themselves are best. To that end, many classroom teachers made an effort to have students register for a Parkland Regional Library card for access to their local branch library. Some classrooms toured their local town libraries. Invitations to the TD Summer Reading Club hosted by public library were extended. A Read and Win promotion has been introduced. Students can enter their name for a prize each time they visit their public library over the summer and share the title of a book, eBook or audiobook they have read. The contest runs in July and August. Prizes will be awarded the first week of September.
Before students left for the summer, they had the opportunity to sign out books from their school library. Then, for the first time, some schools are opening their school library for two half days to allow students to exchange books. M C Knoll/St. Michael’s School library will be open from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. on Tuesday, August 8 and Tuesday, August 22. Dr. Brass School Library will be open from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. on Wednesday, August 9 and Wednesday, August 23.
Parents can help reduce summer reading loss by being a role-model for reading. Children’s reading habits are strengthened when they see their parents/guardians incorporate reading into their daily routine. Children become better readers by practicing reading. Fifteen minutes a day can make a difference. Talking about books during and after reading helps improve comprehension. Encouraging youngsters to share their ideas and opinions by answering open-ended questions helps to build reading skills. When families start having conversations about books: why you liked a book, what you learned from it, or how it helped you, children realize the importance of reading.
Be part of a reading challenge this summer. Visit your local branch library to borrow books or simply sit and read. Look for the draw bin. All school students are eligible to enter and win a prize. Watch for other school-based promotions. Take-a-book/leave-a-book nooks might be springing up in outdoor locations or school entranceways near you. There will be no reason to be separated from good summer reading this year. Reading over the summer months really does make a difference to your child’s learning.
