Beat Summer Slide
Children have a lot to look forward to as summer approaches: sleeping late, hanging out with friends and going to the beach. But with all of the “down time” time out of the classroom during the months of summer vacation, children can lose some of the skills they learned during the school year. Researchers have identified summer learning loss, also known as “summer slide,” as a very real problem. In a 2009 government webcast, Secretary of Education Arne Duncan called it “devastating.”
To help prevent summer slide, Virginia Beach public libraries offer an annual summer reading program that provides engaging, informal learning opportunities and encourages children and teens to read a little each day and to track the time they spend reading. Upon completing 15 hours of reading and turning in their reading logs, children and teens will be able to select a new book to keep, compliments of the Friends of the Virginia Beach Public Library, and they’ll also receive passes and freebies donated by local restaurants and fun spots.
Virginia Beach public libraries will host exciting, FREE events for all ages, all summer long. Programs include visits from the Virginia Living Museum, Didgeridoo Down Under, Ryan the Balloon Guy, Abrakadoodle Art Education, Mud Puddle Science, and Ballet Virginia International, to name a few.
“Reading and involvement in fun, enriching library activities help children and teens become better readers and learners,” said Victoria Strickland-Cordial, youth and family services manager for Virginia Beach Public Library. “Studies show that library reading programs help prevent learning loss during summer months. Reading for as little as 20 minutes a day can make a big difference in a child’s reading ability.”
Virginia Beach Public Library’s summer reading program begins Monday, June 14, and ends Saturday, Aug. 14. In addition to the children’s and teen programs, there is also an adult summer reading program. Adults who complete the program will be eligible for a small prize and the chance to win a prize basket.
The summer reading program is generously funded by the Friends of the Virginia Beach Public Library and the Virginia Beach Public Library Foundation.
To register for the summer reading program, stop by your local library beginning June 14. Find out about exciting programs and events at your library, visit the library’s online calendar at www.VBgov.com/libraries or contact the the library nearest you.