Summer Reading Programs

As a teacher and a writer, I'm often amazed when students return to school after summer break having suffered summer learning loss.  Research has shown that many students lose more than two months of knowledge over summer break.  Dr. Ruth Peters, PH. D. notes the following facts about summer learning loss:

• It effects all students who do not engage in educational activities over the summer.
• The average loss is 2.6 months of grade-level knowledge in reading and mathmatics.
• Only 10 percent of students in our country participate in a summer school program.

To help you help your youngsters hold on to their valuable knowledge, here's our first installment of our summer reading program kist.  These programs are located in Genesee County or online.  Get involved.  Reading is fun!

• Flint Public Library: Dig Into Reading.  This program is open to children from 0 to 6th Grade.  Participants earn wristbands through reading and participating in activities with prizes.  The program kicks off with a live performance from Flint Youth Theater's Improv Squad on Wednesday, June 19 at 4:00 PM. Throughout the summer, there will also be animal shows, a magic show, a drawing workshop, reading with therapy dogs, lunch on the library lawn, and programs with Genesee County Parks. The deadline to register for the program is July 17.
• Genesee District Library: Dig Into Reading.  The GDL is serving up great reads, prizes, and events during its annual summer reading program for grade levels K-6.  This free program helps kids maintain their reading skills while keeping them engaged in constructive activities.  Teens and adults can also earn prizes through the GDL Rewards Program.  Just head to your local GDL branch starting June 1 to register.
• University of Michigan Flint: SEHS Reading Center Summer Writing Camp.  The UM-Flint SEHS Reading Center Summer Writing Camp is open to students in grades K-8 and provides them with a unique opportunity for K-8th grade students to receive instructional support in writing during a relaxed atmosphere intended to inspire and advance your child’s interest and skills.  At the end of the program, one piece of each student’s writing, chosen by the student child, will be published in a camp anthology.  To register, contact the Reading Center at 810/762-3260.
• Barnes & Nobel: Imagination’s Destination.  The Barnes and Noble summer reading program for kids gives kids a free book when they read 8 books over the summer.
• Sylvan Learning: Book Adventure. The program goes on all year long.  It's a great way to motivate kids to read by earning prizes.  In this online program, children read books and take quizzes over books they've read.  This earns them points which they can then exchange for prizes.  Visit www.bookadventure.com to sign up.