Summer Reading Fun

[image credit: http://coralwayelementary.dadeschools.net/Students.htm]

It's SUMMERTIME and that means you are probably spending time outdoors and enjoying the sun. It also means that you aren't in school. In order to make the most of the reading skills you worked so hard on all year, it's important that you continue to read throughout the summer. Below, you'll find some tips for summer reading as well as some information on local summer reading programs. Enjoy!

First of all, why is it important to read (or encourage your children to read) during the summer? Children who don't read over the summer will experience summer learning loss, so it is likely that
they will come back in August and be behind from where they left off in May. They work hard all year to build their literacy skills and become better readers and it's important that they maintain the progress they have made. Here are some tips from PBS to help you encourage reading year-round --

• Tip #1: Integrate reading adventures into your daily routine.
• Tip #2: Explore your local library.
• Tip #3: Bring learning tools with you on the road.
• Tip #4: Find educational activities you and your child can do together indoors and outdoors.
• Tip #5: Look for books and programs that feature your child’s favorite characters.

Visit the PBS website for some excellent information on building literacy skills!


Also, check out these exciting programs that will help you get reading...

• Northwest will be hosting four literacy nights throughout the month of July. You will be able to hear read-alouds from some of your favorite teachers, spend time in the computer lab, and check out books from our school library. This is a great way for you to get your hands on some different books to read this summer. It's also a great chance to spend time with your friends from school. Literacy nights will be held on Tuesday evenings (check back soon for detailed information on dates and times). We hope to see you there!

• The Kirkendall Public Library is also hosting a summer reading program called "Dig into Reading". This program started on June 3rd and runs through the end of July. It features a variety of special events such as story times, musical performances, and even a chance to visit with animal friends from the zoo! You are also eligible to win a variety of prizes by completing reading logs. Visit the library's summer reading web page to learn more and view the calendar of events!

Welcome to the Media Spot!

Hello and WELCOME!
This blog will be a spot where I can record our media happenings at Northwest throughout the year. I intend to use The Media Spot as a place to post about special events happening in the library or at the school, book recommendations, website and technology recommendations and tips, and other related topics. I also intend to use it as a place to keep parents and families up-to-date on what we are doing in media class. I will also be posting about projects that we are working on in class along with ways students can continue using their new skills outside of class. Since we are currently on summer break, which I hope you are all thoroughly enjoying, I'll be kicking things off with some summer reading information. I hope you check back frequently to see what's happening at The Media Spot!