Summer vacation isn’t all fun and games (even if it should be). Research shows that summer can take a toll on a student’s knowledge and skills-from mathematics to reading development. Summer learning loss (“summer slide”) contributes substantially to the achievement gap between low-income and high-income students. Luckily many types of summer programs can help keep a child's mind engaged over the summer.
Importance of Summer Reading
The value placed on literacy in the home, time spent reading with children, and the availability and use of reading materials have been identified as important elements in children's reading success (Snow, Burns, & Griffin, 1998). Supporting reading development over the summer months can be done in ways that activate a child's interests and imagination. It is not enough to simply tell parents that it is important to read to children.
Did you know?
- Without effective reading and literacy skills, people struggle academically, occupationally, and socially.
- Research shows that greater exposure to language and reading each day is more likely to develop strong reading ability.
- High-quality summer learning programs have been shown to also improve school attachment, motivation, and relationships with adults and peers.
- Research suggests that three to four consecutive summers of high-quality learning beginning in pre-kindergarten can get kids reading on grade level by third grade, making them four times more likely to graduate from high school.
