Summer Literacy Corner
In a study done by John Hopkins University it was found that elementary students can lose up to two months of reading and math knowledge over the Summer. Once the students are out of the classroom they are intellectually challenged less frequently and much of what they absorbed during the previous school year begins to fall away. When students return to school teachers often spend 4 to 6 weeks reteaching forgotten Literacy concepts.
There are a number of things parents, grandparents and caregivers can do to make Summer fun while at the same time encouraging Literacy.
1) Children can keep a chart of books read during the Summer, especially listing books by their favorite author, or they could keep a simple daily journal.
2) Literacy skills are promoted through shared book reading which encourages phonological awareness and speech to print connection.
3) Younger children can read words on familiar cereal boxes , while older youth can read newspaper or magazine articles and discuss with others what is happening in the world.
4) All but the youngest children can design their own stationery, write a letter to their favorite author or, make a personal phone book.
5) Inventing word games challenges children's imaginations and cognitive skills. For example, invent a code (A=1,B=2 etc.)
with a friend and send messages to each other. Also, children can be challenged by how many small words can be found in "watermelon" or any other long familiar words.
6) Summer days are the longest, make a list of the longest words they know.
7) Most of these things are individual activities, but Summer Reading Programs at Libraries are social events as well as promoters of Literacy. They are a perfect addition to Summer fun and learning.
All of these activities can build reading, writing, and creativity into everyday Summer activities and adventures while encouraging Summer Literacy at home.