It's called the "summer slide".
That might sound like a piece of seasonal playground equipment, but it's actually something much less fun. The idea behind it is that kids not only learn less during the summer break, they are also at risk of forgetting some of what they picked up while attending school from September to June.
From Scholastic Canada comes the dire warning that these learning losses "are cumulative, creating a wider gap each year between more proficient and less proficient students".
The good news, according to a Scientific American article, is that "the summer slide is often overstated", and that "evidence is decidedly mixed on whether it really exists".
Whether it does exist or not, one thing is less debatable: encouraging children and teens to read more is never a bad thing. That same Scientific American article notes that David Quinn, an education researcher at the University of Minnesota, and Harvard University literacy researcher James Kim, who have found that summer reading programs "boost reading skills in all kids, and the benefits are greatest for those from low-income families".
When it comes to boosting reading skills, where better to turn than the local public library? With that in mind, here's a quick look at a few programs around the world (well, parts of the world where it actually is summer), along with a few resources for librarians to tap when planning their own library's summer reading program.
See also:
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How librarians can support internet safety for their young patrons
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Digital resources for libraries keep Gen Z and millennial patrons engaged
Summer programs go beyond reading
Before we dive in, though, it's worth noting that library events and summer programs are not limited to just reading, nor are they always aimed at those in the elementary or high-school years.
PressReader recently checked in with Kirsten Caldwell, who works in the Youth Services department of a public library in Wisconsin (and who is also behind the highly recommended Early Literacy Librarian blog).
She told us that while her library does have an summer reading program for school-aged children, it also hosts weekly story times for those aged three and under, as well as an adult reading program.
Beyond reading, Caldwell told us, "We have nature walks every week to get kids outside exploring the wonderful area we live in," as well as programs focusing on science, technology, engineering, the arts and mathematics (STEAM).
STEAM camps have become increasingly popular and we have ones for second- to eighth-graders as well as one I recently implemented for ages zero to three. We call this one Tiny STEAM and I set up multiple stations around the room — or outside, if weather permits — that all focus on a theme like engineering and building, or art and science. This summer, I chose to make these messy, since some parents avoid messes at home, which I totally understand.
Summer reading in Canada
Developed by Toronto Public Library in partnership with Libraries and Archives Canada, the bilingual TD Summer Reading Club is Canada's biggest summer reading program. Offered at more than 2,000 public libraries across the country, as well as online, the Club celebrates Canadian authors, illustrators and stories, and encourages kids to explore the fun of reading their own way.
Participants receive a free notebook and stickers to track their reading. Local branches may also have their own fun activities and initiatives for kids to take part in.
Summer reading in New York State (U.S.)
The State Education Department and New York State Library have partnered with 1,100 public libraries and neighborhood branches across the state to launch the Summer Reading at New York Libraries program. Libraries will host various activities and events throughout the summer months to bring children, families and other community members together for reading and enrichment programs. This year’s topic is Adventure Begins at Your Library, promoting exploration, outdoor activities and reading adventures for students and their families.
Board of Regents Chancellor Lester W. Young, Jr. said:
Research confirms that children who read throughout the summer avoid the summertime learning loss we see every fall when students return to school. New York’s Summer Reading Program helps to ensure that every child in New York State has the ability to easily access and explore the limitless possibilities that our libraries offer. When children engage with books, they not only develop critical thinking skills and expand their vocabulary but also lay the foundation for a lifelong love of reading and a passion for learning which will continue to benefit them long after the summer ends.
Summer reading in Connecticut (U.S.)
“Read, Renew, Repeat" is the subject of the 2024 Governor’s Summer Reading Challenge — an annual, statewide program encouraging students in kindergarten through Grade 12 to read books during the summer months.
As Governor Ned Lamont said:
Partnerships between schools and libraries are essential to providing students with access to a diverse range of books, resources, and programs that can help them thrive both academically and personally. Research indicates that children who do not read during the summer can lose reading progress made during the past school year. By working together, we can ensure that every student has the opportunity to continue exploring the world through reading.
Summer reading in the United Kingdom
Libraries throughout England, Scotland and Wales are participating in The Reading Agency's Summer Reading Challenge.
Participants can sign up at their local library, where a librarian will give them a special collector folder when they start the Challenge. They can then set a reading goal and read anything they like, then visit the library each time they finish a book to collect special stickers and rewards.
Summer reading program resources for librarians
Looking to discover some fresh inspiration for your own library's summer reading program? We encourage you to explore the following resources:
The Association for Library Service to Children
The ALSC's 2024 Summer Reading Lists are full of book suggestions and digital media options to keep young readers engaged in reading and exploring throughout the summer. Four Summer Reading lists are available:
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birth to preschool
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kindergarten through Grade 2
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Grades 3 to 5
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Grades 6 to 8
The ALSC says its reading lists "are created as a resource for children's librarians to share with patrons. Parents and caregivers are encouraged to explore these titles to find resources that may match or spark their child's interest."
Each list is available to download for free from the American Library Association website.
Collaborative Summer Library Program
CSLP collaborates with libraries to create an inclusive literacy-based program for all ages, provide a reproducible program, share resources and offer professional support.
According to its mission statement:
CSLP began in 1987 when ten Minnesota regional library systems developed a summer library program for children, choosing a theme, creating artwork, and selecting incentives that public libraries in the regions could purchase and use. State libraries and systems continue to join and CSLP continues to evolve, but its guiding principle remains the same: librarians sharing ideas, expertise, and costs to produce a high-quality summer reading program for children, teens, and adults.
PressReader
Among the more than 7,000 newspapers and magazines from around the world that library patrons can access through PressReader, there are a number of titles aimed specifically at children and tweens.
PressReader can also be a great tool for introducing media literacy to young readers. Our Media Literacy Toolkit is a resource designed to help you teach critical thinking to young people through a number of activities.
