How to Avoid the Summer Slide! A Guide for Parents

As an elementary school principal, every fall I witness many bright students fall victim to the "summer slide".  Research shows that children who do not read over the summer will lose two or more months of reading gains. But the good news is research also shows that students who read at least six developmentally appropriate books over the summer will stop that regression. Here are some tips to help your child start off the 2014-15 school year on the right foot.

1. Be a reading role-model!  Children are quicker to do what their parents do rather than what they say.  Set aside time where your child sees you reading.  If it's important for mom or dad then it will be important to them.
2. Read! Read! Read!  Have your child read a developmentally appropriate book for twenty minutes per day.
3. Visit your local library!  Need I say more?
4. Word of the week!  Post a new word on the fridge every week. Challenge your kids to use it as much as possible!
5. Audio books! Driving to your vacation destination? Listen to a book in the car. Visit audible.com for books. Better yet local libraries have wonderful selections of audio books for free! 
6. Book or Device? Who cares as long as they are reading!

If you child needs a little motivation visit the Scholastic Summer Reading Program by clicking here. Barnes and Noble is also offering a free book for every eight books your child reads.  Click here for more information. Have a great summer of fun and learning!