I have very fond memories of reading as a child, and summer reading is one of them. I remember walking into Borders Bookstore (remember those) and peering at the table labeled “Summer Reading” and picking out my books.
However, I know not everyone loves summer reading. I was a high school teacher for years and know that many students found it burdensome. And I assume some parents did too.
But there is plenty of research telling us summer reading, whether formally through a school or library program or just family inspired, is important.
Summer slide is how educators refer to the decline of academic skills over the summer. Summer slide does not affect all students and for those it does affect the effect comes in degrees. Summer reading has been proven to prevent or lessen a child’s summer slide.
Another great thing about summer reading is that most schools offer a choice of books for the students to choose from. It is likely that this differs from the school year curriculum where kids are told what books to read.
Studies have shown that giving children choice in what they read produces better and more enthusiastic readers.
If you know a child that is lucky enough to go to a school that let’s them choose their own summer reading book, we would love to curate a small stack of books for them! Or if you know a child who has a summer reading list, we would love to help you find those books in an affordable way!
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