Kindergarten

How to Avoid the “Summer Slide”

Experts agree that children who read during the summer gain reading skills, while those who don’t, often slide backward.  Studies show that children who do not read, or have access to books during the summer, may lose up to 2 months of reading performance.  So, how do we prevent the summer slide - or even accelerate reading growth?  Here are a few ideas:

1. Click on the tab “Virtual Book Room” for exciting choices to keep your child immersed in reading!
2. Be sure your child reads at least 20 minutes a day.  According to research, a child who only reads 1 minute a day outside of school will learn up to 8,000 words by the sixth grade.  A student who reads 20 minutes a day outside of school will learn, 1, 800,000 words.  That’s huge!!
3. Set a good example!  When your child sees you reading and enjoying a book or magazine article, you are sending a message that reading is important and valuable.
4. Read to your child.  When you read to your child, he/she hears the rhythm of language.  Be sure to read with expression!  Changing your voice for different characters and raising your voice during the exciting parts are only a few ways to keep children engaged.
5. Read for different purposes.  Reading directions for a recipe or directions for assembling a toy are fun ways to incorporate reading into everyday activities.

Have a happy and healthy summer!  Be sure to read, read, and read some more!!