Why Summer Reading is Important

Can children’s reading skills really slide during just a few short months out of the classroom?  Yes, the notion of a “summer slump” for school-aged children is very real, however, there is good news.  Children who read over the summer can maintain or even increase their reading level.  Reading for pleasure is the best way for them to practice and improve their reading skills.  Children who find something they want to read tend to be the best readers and have more enjoyable reading experiences overall.  Encouraging children to read for pleasure is the goal of the Milwaukee Public Library’s Super Reader program.

Research supports the importance of summer reading programs:

• Public Library reading programs play an important role in the reading achievement of children who lack access to books and other reading materials in their daily lives.*

• Literacy-related activities and events enriched reading experiences, encouraging children to read themselves, hear stories read aloud and write about what they’d read.*

• Public Library programs encourage parents to become involved in children's reading.*

*from The Role of Public Libraries in Children's Literacy Development:
An Evaluation Report. [.pdf file]
by Celano, Donna and Susan B. Neuman. Pennsylvania Library Association, 2001.

For further research on why reading over the summer is crucial go to:
American Library Association - Summer Reading Matters

Summer Reading and Effects on Student Achievement