Saturday, May 24, 2014

Saturday Sayings: Problem of the Century



I'm likely not the only one who towards the end of the year finds themselves scrambling to fix what seems to be the problem of the century.  Kids don't read over the summer.  The middle of May arrives and I start asking myself this question.  How am I going to convince all 25 of my first graders to read without me around?  Even more so, I start preaching to the parents to persuade them to make reading a priority in their homes for the next three months.  

In my heart, I know the answer to the summer reading problem lies in Kathy Collins' thought above.  If my students actually have their own passionate reading lives, then a summer without books is not an option.  Of course, they need access to books, and at their young age, parental support really is part of the puzzle.  But these little people shouldn't read this summer because their teacher told them to or their parents make them or even because the local library has a great summer reading program.  They should be reading because they have a need to read.  Solving the summer slide won't happen because in May we promote summer reading.  The problem will be solved or at least improved because of what we say and do starting on the first day of school.  Creating readers who read over the summer and ultimately for the rest of their lives takes a long nine months to foster. I've got my work cut out for me on August 21st and every day thereafter.   

P.S.  Having said all that, I thoroughly appreciate what Miss Trayers at Not Just Child's Play recently posted about summer reading.  She shared some creative ways she'll be encouraging her kids to read this summer.  I'm totally doing #3 from her list.  It's pretty much brilliant.  You should take a look.


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10 comments:

  1. Tammy-you are so sweet! Thank you for including my post! This is the first year I know that at least some of my kiddos will continue reading! They have just developed that passion for it.

    Not Just Child's Play

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    1. Miss Trayers, you're very welcome. You included some great ideas.

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  2. I always worry about the "summer slide" as well. Many of my students have no books at home. I'm going to take a look at Miss Trayers post and see what I can learn from her. Thank you!
    Connie Anderson
    www.welcometofirstgraderoom5.blogspot.com

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    1. Connie, I hope you found something at Miss Trayers' post!

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  3. I love the quote you used! The summer slide is a huge concern for me too. I so want to foster a love of reading in my students that lasts longer than the time they are in the school building. We have our work cut out for us!
    Lori
    Conversations in Literacy

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    1. Lori, yep we do, which is why I need to think about the summer slide on day one of school.

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  4. Great quote! I'm going to check Miss Trayers' suggestions, too.
    Grade ONEderful

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  5. You're so right, Tammy. I had a few kids who came so far last year, but I know they won't spend much time reading this summer. :( It is just not a priority in their homes and they are okay with that. On the bright side, I did have one little one tell me she hated to read at the beginning of the year. I told her and her parents it was my mission to change her mind. She increased her WCPM by 90 words and best of all, her parents just sent a letter saying she loves to read and they almost can't get her to stop!

    Score!

    Crystal :-)

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    1. Crystal, Score is right! Your story made me smile. What a gift you've given this little person.

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