It's Summer Time!!!

And that means school's out! This time of year is always a happy time for both students and teachers. However, it's also a scary time. Students that maintain reading everyday will likely grow a reading level over the summer. Students that read some will likely maintain their current reading level.  But students that don't read, will likely drop one or more reading levels.

I know it's rough. School just ended and books are probably the last thing kids want to look at.  But it's so important. By dropping one or two levels of reading students start the new school year at a huge disadvantage. The beginning of the school year is typically spent establishing routines and performing a battery of assessments. Sometimes in that first month there isn't time to begin intense reading instruction. Therefore more time has gone by when the end of September rolls around those students that didn't read are very far behind. 

In order to keep those kids reading all summer long, you may want to check out some of the summer time reading programs and incentives. 

By reading more, they may discover a book or series that they love that just might hook them onto reading! 

Scholastic’s Summer Reading Challenge
Scholastic offers a reading challenge and lots of resources for students, parents, and educators.
http://www.scholastic.com/ups/campaigns/src-2014

Resources for parents from scholastic

http://www.scholastic.com/teachers/collection/keep-kids-reading-all-summer-long

Printable Book Lists
Not sure what to read? Check out this updated list of summer reading.
http://www.ala.org/alsc/2014-summer-reading-list

Barnes and Noble
Barnes and Noble offers a reading program where students can earn a free book. 
http://www.barnesandnoble.com/u/summer-reading/379003570/

Book It by Pizza Hut
Pizza Hut has a great challenge with some awesome prizes. 
http://www.bookitprogram.com/summer/default.asp

Sylvan’s Book Adventure
Sylvan Learning Center offers a reading incentive program and fabulous resources for parents.
http://www.bookadventure.com/Home.aspx

Local Public Libraries Summer Reading Programs
Be sure to check out your own local public library. Most libraries offer a summer reading program.

NYC Public Library

http://www.nypl.org/events/summerreading

Mandy Yates is currently an elementary reading specialist and children's book writer. She has an MFA in creative writing from Spalding University and has been published multiple times in Highlights Magazine. 

She is also assisting Mira in teaching The Craft and Business of Writing Children's Books. http://www.childrensbookacademy.com/writing-childrens-picture-books.html, as well as The Chapter Book Alchemist  http://www.childrensbookacademy.com/the-chapter-book-alchemist.html .

Find some of her teacher resources over at http://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Store/Mandy-Yates.

And you can follow her on Pinterest, Twitter,and Facebook.