Summer Reading!

Ah, those summer reading programs! Most public libraries have a summer reading program to keep children reading over the summer months. Teachers know that children often lose some of what they have gained over the school year as the summer progresses. Parents can take advantage of the public library to help keep reading alive during the sultry days of summer. Many summer reading programs use online resources for a method to record the titles of books being read. Even so, my library, for example, also has a paper and pencil record sheet for those who do not wish to use the internet (perhaps a grandparent who might not be too tech savvy, or just prefers the paper and pencil option). The Beanstack app is one used by many libraries for their summer reading program. Check with your local library to find out how their summer reading program works.

Check out this example of a summer reading program from the summer of 2023 in Oklahoma.

I recall doing long term substitute jobs at the end of the year in various grade levels and being discouraged to see the lack of hands raised when I asked how many used the public library system in our county to check out books to read during the summer. Most did not have a library card, nor had ever even visited the public library.

I have vivid memories of visiting our local library as a child during the summer, securing the summer reading program recording form, where each title read could be entered, as the summer progressed. It made such an impression upon me, and was such an enjoyable activity that engaged some of my attention during the summer days, that once I became a parent, my own children participated in summer reading programs wherever we were living at the time.

Your child’s school might have a suggested list of specific books to read over the summer, which will be a good starting place for book selections. If you are lucky enough to live in a city with a thriving independent bookstore, they might also sponsor summer reading clubs. You might even start a summer book club with your child and some friends and their parents to meet regularly and discuss, along with some fun activities to go along with the book being discussed! Investigate! I hope you and your children take a deep dive into summer reading this year! Happy reading!