With six weeks left of summer, Let’s Read reminds King County parents and children to read together
SEATTLE – As temperatures rise and summer break reaches the halfway mark, Let’s Read reminds parents there is still time to help prevent summer reading loss. The campaign encourages parents and children to read together over the summer months to ensure kids are ready for school in the fall.
Let’s Read is supported by the King County Library System, Seattle Public Libraries, United Way of King County, the Road Map Project and many other partners . The effort aims to provide tips, activities, book recommendations and additional library resources to help families keep reading. Let’s Read is an important part of a regional reading plan that recently earned an All-America City Award.
“Summer is a great time for families to read with their children and our local libraries are a wonderful resource,” said Dr. Susan Enfield, Superintendent of Highline Public Schools. “We know from both research and our own assessments that children who don’t read during the summer months are more likely to fall behind and begin the new school year at a disadvantage. We count on our families and community partners to help ensure that this doesn’t happen.”
Reading is important for younger children, too. Studies show academic development improves if children develop enthusiasm for reading at an early age. Children who start kindergarten ready to learn to read have greater success throughout their school years.
“As stores are starting to stock up on back-to-school supplies, we’d like to remind all families that the best way to ensure your student is prepared for school is to read to them now,” said Tre’ Maxie, Executive Director of Powerful Schools. “Local libraries are a fun, free resource and a great way to beat the heat.”
The top five tips for summer reading success are:
1. Read every day with your child.
2. Read anywhere – read in any language. And if you don’t have a book with you, sing a song or tell a story.
3. Help your child learn to read. Find the right level of books for your child at the library. Sound words out. Look at the part of the word they know. Back up and try again. Use different words that make sense to your child.
4. Talk about what you’re reading. Ask questions about the story. What’s happening? How will it end? What was your favorite part of the story?
5. Reading is fun. Have fun reading and sharing stories with your family.
Additional resources are available on the Let’s Read website and offered in a variety of languages including Amharic, Chinese, Korean, Russian, Somali, Spanish, Tagalog, Tigrigna, Ukrainian and Vietnamese.
Posted in: Expanded Learning Opportunities