Studies repeatedly show that children who do not read during the summer demonstrate a significant loss in reading skills, and start school behind where they left off. Luckily, libraries across the state provide summer reading programs to help prevent what is called the “summer slide.”
For 85 years, the Denver Public Library has provided summer reading programs as a fun way to incorporate reading and literacy-rich activities into summer family time. The program is divided up into three age-appropriate themes: birth –preschool, kids K-5th grade, and teens 6-12th grade. Prizes are given as they reach three reading milestones including books, Elitch Garden’s tickets, bookbags and other goodies.
Summer of Reading is one of the Denver Public Library’s most important programs for children and teens and is offered annually at the Denver Central Library, the Library’s 24 branch locations and through two bookmobiles. New this year, the Library is teaming up with Mayor Michael B. Hancock to encourage participation. As part of his commitment to ensuring that all Denver kids can compete and succeed, he has launched the Summer of Reading Neighborhood Challenge. One lucky branch will win an ice cream social with the Mayor for the greatest increase in registrations during the first two weeks.
Denver Public Library’s Summer of Reading begins June 3, 2013. Here are some tips to get your kids in the groove:
· Summer reading is a great time for kids to read what they want, not what their teacher tells them to. Allow them to choose the book and help them find materials on topics that they are interested in – sports, animals, whatever!
· Let them read what they want – comics, magazines, newspapers, eBooks. As long as they’re reading, it’s a good thing.
· Create a special place where they can read – encourage them to build their very own “reading fort” with blankets or even a tent in the back yard.
Bring books with you wherever you go – the pool, beach, camping. And, for long car rides, pop in an audio book.
Pick up a fun summer book yourself and let them see you read. Kids are more likely to read if their parents do.
For the little ones (birth–preschool) Denver Public Library’s “Read with Me” program gives easy tips on how to help build crucial pre-literacy skills through reading, singing, talking, playing and writing. For example: when you are in the grocery store, describe what you are putting in the cart; when you are feeding them, talk about the food and dishes; sing the alphabet song or recite a nursery rhyme. Even letting them hold a book and see you read helps.
And, of course, bring them to a Summer of Reading program or storytime. Denver Public Library offers hundreds of free programs with age-appropriate performances and activities.
Visit summerofreading.org or any of Denver Public Library’s 25 locations to sign up and for a complete schedule of activities. Registration begins on June 3.
-Jen Morris, Denver Public Library
Author: Mile High Mamas
