As the school year comes to a closes teachers everywhere start thinking about what they can do to ensure their students can avoid the “summer reading slump.” The so-called summer slump can affect children’s reading abilities by up to three months and that can accumulate over the years.
Research shows that younger elementary school students rarely make up deficits in reading once they fall behind. Conversely, students who read during the summer could end up three months ahead, too.
Below are three tips to ensure your students avoid the summer reading slump:
Tip 1: Send home a list of your favorite books
When students see their beloved teacher excited about summer reading it can really inspired them to follow that same course. A list of the “teacher’s favorites” will give the child and parent a good place to start when planning their summer reading.
Tip 2: Log reading hours in a Read-A-Thon
Encourage your students to keep track of their reading hours even over the summer. A little competition is sure to motivate even reluctant students. Several non-profit groups such as Reading Is Fundamental and PBS Kids have read-a-thons that can be found on the web. Great goal-setting activity for the summer as well!
Tip 3: Exercise their storytelling skills
Your students will benefit more from their reading activities if they look at it as fun and not just “homework.” Have your students rewrite their favorite story or book they just finished with an alternate ending. “It could also have ended like this…”
So as your students are swimming, playing and vacationing this summer remind them that reading can be a fun summer activity. Happy summer reading!
For technology savvy parents and children digital books can also be a fun option. To download a free digital book for your PC visit http://www.mobistories.com. Click on Summer (in the Ages 2 – 4 category) add it to the cart and Michelle Obama then enter the code SUM0710 in the Coupon Code Box.