Why is it important for kids to read over the summer?

Reading for pleasure is one of the building blocks for young people to grow into healthy, productive adults.

Fourth grade students who read for fun every day score the highest on reading assessment tests.

When the act of reading extends beyond the schoolroom and becomes part of daily life, ongoing literacy is on its way to becoming a reality. Students who read for fun on their own and talk about their reading with family and friends on a weekly basis had higher average test scores than students who never or rarely read for fun and who talk about their books with family and friends less than once a month.

Public library programming and books for children make a difference.

Based on the findings of a recent three-year study by Dominican University’s Graduate School of     Library and Information Studies, it is confirmed that students who take part in their local library’s summer reading program significantly improve their reading skills. In fact, they found that kids who participate in these programs improve their reading skills ahead of their peers who do not. Summer reading programs are also an antidote for learning loss.

¨ reading over the summer prevents  “summer reading loss.”

¨ encouragement that reading become a lifelong habit

¨ reluctant readers can be drawn in by the activities

¨ reading over the summer helps children keep their skills up

¨ the program can generate interest in the library and books

¨ Some researchers estimate 50-67% of the achievement gap, for children living in poverty and for children of color, is the result of summer learning loss.

¨ And it being summer, the program can just be good fun and provide an opportunity for family time.

  The 2012 Northfield Public Library Summer Reading Programs for children 4-18 begins June 5th

Visit northfieldmn.info or call 507-645-1804 for more information.  There is no charge for library activities.  For special needs assitance please call the library.

NORTHFIELD PUBLIC LIBRARY 210 Washington St. Northfield, MN

 www.northfieldmn.info or   northfieldpubliclibrary.blogspot.com/

Books & Stars- the weekly evening family entertainment events is an element of the Summer Reading Program! booksandstars2012.blogspot.com