Combating the ‘summer slide’
Programs, challenges push kids to read
A summer-long library program and a state legislator’s challenge hope to help ensure that children don’t lose the skills they learned during the school year.
Citing studies that began in 1906 and multiple ones conducted eight years ago, the National Summer Learning Association noted that it is estimated that approximately two months, or 22 percent, of instructional time is lost if kids do not read while not in school.
“Research shows that without access to quality learning opportunities during the summer, young people can fall behind in core subjects like reading and math,” said Katie Willse, chief program officer for the association. “Low income youth are disproportionately impacted by losses in reading. These losses are cumulative and contribute to an achievement gap between lower and higher income youth.”
To combat what is known as the “summer slide” the Peninsula Public Library (PPL) in conjunction with the Lawrence School District and Hebrew Academy of the Five Towns and Rockaway (HAFTR) coordinates a summer reading program, which includes contests, activities and an end- of-program party with prizes for children 4 to 13.
Registration for the program takes places on June 19 at PPL. This year’s theme is “Every Hero has a Story.” “Summer reading is so important to prevent children from losing many of the skills they have developed over the current school year,” said Carolynn Matulewicz, PPL’s assistant director.
“By the time children reach middle school, those who haven’t read during the summers may have lost as much as two years worth of achievement,” Horowitz said. “The good news is that if children read over summer vacation they will likely avoid summer reading loss.”
The kids who take part receive a reading log and are challenged to read as many books as possible. Selecting age-appropriate books is easy if you know the “rule of five” said Diamond, who has been teaching since 1975 and a reading specialist in Lawrence for the past 32 years.
“If a child encounters difficulty with more than five words on a page, the book is generally too difficult,” she said. “The children’s librarian can be very helpful in determining whether a book is of the appropriate level of difficulty. We encourage students to read books on topics of interest.”
Activities are also a huge part of the reading program. On July 15, participants will meet members of the local police and fire departments; the Long Island Children’s Museum visits on July 22 and a week later Mad Science will immerse the kids in science, technology, engineering and math. Also included are movies on Monday nights at 6:30 p.m. and an end-of-program party on Aug. 19.
“It is a wonderful option for our students,” said Lowree, a Lawrence district reading specialist for 24 years. “At PPL they have access to books, exciting literacy-based events and continue to read during the summer months. To be skilled at most anything requires practice, and that includes reading.”
Assemblyman’s challenge
Assemblyman Todd Kaminsky (D-Long Beach) whose district includes the Five Towns issued his own summer reading challenge in partnership with local libraries, including Hewlett-Woodmere Public Library.
To complete the challenge, participants between 5- and 13-years-old must read at least 40 days in July and August. To obtain a calendar for the kids to mark off the days they read for a minimum of 15 minutes, call Kaminsky’s office at (516) 431-0500. When completed, the calendar can be submitted to the assemblyman’s office and the child will receive an Excellence in Reading.
“I am looking forward to seeing what our children will discover through this year’s summer reading challenge,” Kaminsky said. “Developing a love for reading will help them succeed not only in the classroom, but also throughout their lives.”
