Reading for Summer Fun AND Learning!

            Summer is the time when we finally get outside, take some time off to relax, and get involved in recreational activities for the body AND the mind!  According to a recent study, our young people experience significant learning losses when they do not engage in educational activities during the summer.  We are making every attempt to ensure that our children should have consistent access to high quality summer enrichment activities and programs throughout their school careers.

            In an attempt to accomplish this goal, we are again promoting a Summer Reading “Program”  to keep our kids reading throughout the summer, and to discover the joys of books and reading.  To prevent the reading and achievement losses that we often observe, we are promoting the following literacy activities for the summer months:

• Every child in grades K-5 will receive a Summer Reading Packet before the last day of school.  In this packet will be a brochure with a Reading Log.  We are asking that each one of our students read AT LEAST three books this summer, including the one that we have selected for their grade level.  Then each child (with a parent’s help, when necessary) should record information about the three books that he/she chooses to read.  Students are encouraged to read as many books as they would like – but report on at least three.  In September, the child should then return both the book she has received as well as the reading log to their classroom teacher or the media center.

• The books chosen for JK children this year are (going into this grade): 

    First Grade – Bunnycakes

    Second Grade – 3 titles - depending on level

    Third Grade –  Frecklejuice

    Fourth Grade – Tales of a Fourth Grade Nothing

    Fifth Grade – Volcano Disaster

• Visit the Public Library!  Please take your children to the Richmond Memorial Library to enroll in their Summer Reading Program.  When they do, they will receive a “Sweet Reading Summer Treat” when they tell the librarians that they are from John Kennedy!!  

For more great Summer Reading lists, go the the Reading Links page for some recommendations.

To enter your summer reading logs online, visit the Reading Log page.

Explore other Summer Reading Challenges, by checking out:

• Scholastic's Summer Challenge
• HarperCollins Children's Books Reading Warriors
• Barnes & Noble Summer Reading Program.

John Kennedy Media Center
Media Specialist

Teacher Websites ©2012 Edline