Carol L'Orange

Welcome to Carol L’Orange’s Web Page!

Summer Reading:  Preventing Summer Slide!

  As we all move from a busy school year into a (hopefully) relaxing summer, it is easy to have reading and writing slide out of mind.  First Graders worked very, very hard to gain skills and proficiency in literacy.  That knowledge is not so embedded that it will continue without daily practice.  Many primary students lose ground over the summer.  It is called “Summer Slide.”  In this case, a slide is not a good thing!  Here are some easy ways to keep those reading and writing skills growing!

1. Six books to summer success: Research shows that reading just six books during the summer may keep a struggling reader from regressing. When choosing the six, be sure that they are just right — not too hard and not too easy. Take advantage of the library and the SES Summer Library Program. Ask for help selecting books that match your child's age, interests, and abilities. Check the Scholastic book list for more ideas:  http://www.scholastic.com/parents/books-and-reading/book-lists/
2. Read something every day: Encourage your child to take advantage of every opportunity to read. Find them throughout the day:
   • Morning: The newspaper — even if it is just the comics or today's weather.
   • Daytime: Create a family schedule for the day. Post the list in a place your child can read every day!  Better yet, ask your child to write the list! List events such as:  Play at the pool; Ride your bike outside; Help clean the family room.
   • Evening: End the day by having your child read to you from the book he is currently reading (one of the six books, above). Have him rehearse a paragraph, page, or chapter before reading to you. Rereading will help him be more fluent — able to read at an appropriate speed, correctly, and with nice expression.
3. Keep reading aloud: Reading aloud benefits all children and teens, especially those who struggle. One benefit is that you can read books your child can't, so she will build listening comprehension skills with grade-level and above books. This will increase her knowledge and expand her experience with text, so that she will do better when she reads on her own.
4. It's hard to keep up a reading routine in a season packed with distractions and diversions. These suggestions will fit into a busy schedule and make reading fun!