Why read in the summer?
There is a reason that teachers in the elementary schools spend a considerable amount of time at the beginning of each school year reviewing material covered in the spring of the previous grade. Over the course of a much needed summer break from school, students can lose some of the educational gains they have made in both reading and math. Numerous studies have been conducted on ways to ameliorate the impact of two months away from formal learning situations, the most notable that of Stephen Krashen in The Power of Reading. The research conducted for this book indicates that for every five books that children read of their own choosing (Krashen refers to this as free voluntary reading) reading scores improve by one level. Reading can and does include fiction, non-fiction, audiobooks, magazines, eBooks, wordless books and picture books, reading by yourself and being read to.
Summer reading should be enjoyable, relaxed and free of the stresses found in reading for assignments and projects or even reading for instructional purposes. Think of how you feel when indulging in your favourite author at the beach versus reading for a report at work, the same holds true for children.
For younger children, make time to read with them and to them. Books of any type, magazines, even instructional booklets are great, as long as the child is engaged and had a say in selecting the material. For older children making sure that they have reading material that is interesting to them is key. Also, do not overlook the fact that older children still enjoy having books read aloud to them. Equally important is the modelling of reading by the adults in the child's life. If you show that you value reading by taking the time to read, children will see it as a valuable way to spend time.
For everyone, Toronto Public Library has a summer reading program that will engage and delight readers of all levels, ages and interests. For the younger readers there is the TD Summer Reading Club with both online games as well as activities scheduled throughout the city at your local branch. For teens, Word Out is available online with blogs, prizes and opportunities to create videoblogs. For those with library cards already, joining is easy, for those still needing to get a library card, it only takes a short while at any branch to get your own personal library card.
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