Studies have found that an average student forgets up to one month of instruction during the summer months. Many teachers will admit that the first four to six weeks of a new school year is spent bringing students back to where they were at the end of the previous school year. It's called the "summer slide" and there is something you can do to help your kids avoid it.
Research indicates that reading is the most influential factor related to summer learning; children that read more not only read better, but they also write, spell and comprehend better, have larger vocabularies and use better grammar. They display sharper verbal skills, score higher on tests, and have higher self-esteem. Furthermore, giving children an opportunity to listen to or independently read books of interest to them helps provide them with a foundation for further learning and helps instill a love of reading, which will encourage them to engage in the activity more often.
Our local libraries are the perfect place to encourage your child to read more this summer. They have a fantastic line-up of free events and activities planned for the upcoming months, as well as a number of incentives children can earn for their time spent reading, to enhance your child's reading experience while at the same time providing academic gains and keeping kids busy and entertained. Summer reading programs are a great way to help reduce your child's summer learning loss.
Summer Learning Programs for 2019
Catawba County Library System
This year’s summer learning theme is "A Universe of Stories" with programs geared towards children, teens and adults kicking off June 17th. Reading incentives such as prizes and a mix of free programs will make for an exciting June and July, continuing into early August, with a fun way for children and teens to stay engaged during the summer months. This year, kids will be able to get prizes as they meet small goals throughout the summer, with huge prize drawings at the end of the summer for Carowinds, Tweetsie Railroad and more! Summer learning has never been bigger! Be sure you are registered, then check our Events Calendar for all the great programs!
Hickory Public Library
Kick off summer reading with The City of Hickory at the Summer Learning Kick Off Celebration at Ridgeview Library including SUAH African Dance Theatre, caricatures, games and frozen yogurt from Di'lishi! Register for "A Universe of Stories" and watch our Events Calendar for tons of amazing fun including a Henna workshop, a juggling show, and more!
Burke County Library
The summer reading program at Burke County Library runs from June 10th to July 29th. Youth ages birth-5th grade are invited for "A Universe of Stories" where they can complete an activity sheet to receive a prize for reading. Young Adults are invited to participate in the "Adventure is Out There" program in person at a Burke County Public Library location.
Caldwell County Library
The summer reading program "A Universe of Stories" starts June 8th and ends August 17th. Sign up to earn free treats, track your reading to earn a prizes and enjoy lots of fun programming throughout the summer months. Come to hear Nashville Artist Miss Lynn!
Alexander County Library
The program runs June 16th to July 27th and is centered around the "A Universe of Stories" theme. Children birth through 18 and adults can participate and there's lots of fun programming scheduled for the summer. Catch ScienceTellers along with lots of other great programs!
Adventure Bound Books
This Morganton based independent bookstore is having Read-A-Palooza in conjunction with Scholastic Summer Challenge all summer long. Pick up a Summer Reading Adventure Map and keep your eyes peeled for great storytimes and more on our Event Calendar!
Barnes and Noble
This annual summer reading program runs through August 31st at stores across the country. Children in grades 1-6 can earn a free book by reading any eight books this summer and recording them on the reading journal.
Chuck E Cheese's
Kids earn 10 free tokens (at participating locations) every time they read for 2 weeks in a row by completing the Reading Rewards Calendar (find Chuck E Cheese's other reward calendars here).
SYNC Audiobook Program for Teens
SYNC is a free summer audiobook program for teens 13+, giving away two complete audiobook downloads a week, based on weekly themes.
TD Bank
Kids in grades K-5 receive $10 in a new or existing TD Simple Savings account by reading 10 books during the summer and turning in a completed summer reading form at the nearest TD Bank (there's one in Morganton).
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