Focus on Summer Reading
The long, hot days of summer provide kids with lots of time to relax, visit friends, enjoy the great outdoors, and read. It's also a time to make sure kids don't fall behind in their reading skills and achievement. Research shows children lose one to three months of learning every summer. Prevent this summer learning loss by getting your children "revved up" for reading.
Reading Rockets' Tips for Summer Reading
Reading Rockets, the national multimedia literacy resource that offers information and resources on how young kids learn to read, why so many struggle, and how caring adults can help, provides tips for parents, educators, librarians, and others about summer reading and summer learning loss. Plus, you'll discover great activities to encourage kids to learn, read, and have fun in the summer sun. Go to www.readingrockets.org.
Reading is Fundamental Gets Kids "Revved Up" for Reading
You can help get kids "revved up" for reading. Start by encouraging them to participate in the Reading Planet Grand Prix, in conjunction with the Scholastic Summer Reading Buzz contest, sponsored by Target. Kids can enter to win amazing prizes, as well as be reading for a good cause, because, for every 4 books they read, Scholastic will donate 1 book to RIF, up to 50,000 books! Go to http://www.rif.org/readingplanet/content/summer_reading_07.mspx for more information.
ALA's Summer Reading and Learning Tips
Summer reading programs began in the 1890s as a way to encourage school children to read, to use the library, and to develop the habit of reading during their summer vacations. Summer reading programs are geared for reading for the fun of it. Library summer reading programs take advantage of children's natural curiosity to introduce new subjects and different genres—things kids might not study in school but are interested in. The American Library Association has tips and resources for parents on summer reading, go to http://www.ala.org/ala/alsc/alscresources/summerreading/tipsresources/tipsresources.htm.
NEA's Books Across America Library Books Awards
The NEA Foundation, in collaboration with NEA, will make $1,000 awards to public schools serving economically disadvantaged students to purchase books for school libraries. The 2008 NEA's Books Across America Library Books Awards are made possible with support from individuals who donated to NEA's Books Across America fund to bring the gift of reading to students. Deadline for applications is Monday, November 12, 2007. For more information and eligibility criteria, go to http://news.nea.org/UM/T.asp?A2923.37871.17.30.1470programs/BAA_2007.htm.
F.I.L.M.'s Nancy Drew Program Inspires Young Readers
The Finding Inspiration in Literature and Movies program, F.I.L.M., encourages young readers to see a featured film, in this case Nancy Drew, a recent release from Warner Bros. Pictures; read one of the accompanying Nancy Drew mysteries; participate in activities from the free, downloadable activity guide; and complete a service project that relates to the central themes of the books and movie. Visit http://www.youthfilmproject.org/film/nancy.htm for more information.
Online Reading Resources from ALA's Association for Library Service to Children
The Association for Library Service to Children, a division of ALA, provides many practical and excellent resources available in print, nonprint, and emerging formats. Go to http://www.ala.org/ala/alsc/ alscresources/resources.htm for ALSC recommended booklists, links to online children's libraries and literature and reading Web sites, contact information for national youth organizations, and much more.
Kids Create their own Book Lists with Book Adventure
With Book Adventure Foundation's free reading motivation program for grades K–8, kids can create their own book lists from over 7,000 recommended titles, take multiple choice quizzes on the books they've read, and earn points and prizes for their literary successes. Go to http://www.bookadventure.org/.
Looking for Grants To Promote Youth Service and Service-Learning?
Youth Service America, a Read Across America partner, has grants and awards to help support and motivate youth, teachers, service-learning coordinators, and youth-serving organizations as they plan and implement projects for National Youth Service Day and on-going service throughout the year. To receive grant and awards updates and announcements, go tohttp://ysa.org/AwardsGrants/tabid/58/Default.aspx.While you are on YSA's home page, be sure to sign up for their news feed (some features require you to log in to servenet.org). http://servenet.org/Toolkit/ServiceWire/ServiceWireHome/tabid/73/Default.aspx
Books From The Heart® for Hurricane Katrina and Rita's Youngest Victims
In the wake of Hurricanes Katrina and Rita, The Heart of America Foundation® gathered and delivered more than 40 tons of backpacks, school supplies, toiletries, and books to displaced children in Louisiana, Mississippi, and Texas. In response to urgent requests and obvious need, The Heart of America Foundation® has extended this effort by providing Books From The Heart® for the hurricanes' youngest victims.Working with NEA's Books Across America initiative, the Books From The Heart® Adopt A School program offers help to students and schools affected by Hurricanes Katrina and Rita and provides opportunities for educators, students, parents, and others to give aid where it's needed most. More than 250,000 children have helped their fellow students in need. Your help is still crucial to the continued success of this program. To support this ongoing effort, go to http://www.heartofamerica.org/hurricane_submenu.htm.
Actors Read Kids' Favorite Stories
Storyline Online, an innovative Web site proudly sponsored by the Screen Actors Guild Foundation, features well-known actors reading quality children's picture books aloud. Each book features supplemental activities geared to strengthen the comprehension, verbal, and written skills of English-language learners worldwide. Go to http://www.storylineonline.net/ to learn more.
Prepping for September?
Just when you thought it was safe to head into summer, it's time to start thinking about another school year. Read Across America partners are great resources to make your job easier and your summer vacation stress-free.
YALSA Gets Teens Reading for the Fun of It.
Gear up for Teen Read Week, October 14–20, 2007, a national literacy initiative sponsored by the Young Adult Library Services Association. This year's theme is "LOL@ your library®," and it promotes humorous books and graphic novels as a tool for getting young adults to read. Look for Teen Read Week at hundreds of public and school libraries, classrooms, and bookstores across the country. Go to http://www.ala.org/ala/yalsa/teenreading/teenreading.htm for more information.
First Book® Asks Readers: What Book Got You Hooked?
Read Across America partner First Book has launched What Book Got You Hooked?, a national campaign to discover which books got Americans hooked on reading. The online campaign also asks readers to help select the state that will receive a special 50,000-book donation for children in need. Go to http://www.firstbook.org/site/c.lwKYJ8NVJvF/b.674095/k.CC09/Home.htm.
Dollar General's Literacy Grants Provide Much-Needed Funds
Dollar General has literacy grant programs that help provide funding for back-to-school needs and library relief, as well as family and youth literacy programs.
Back-To-School Grants
The Dollar General Back-to-School Grants provide funding to assist schools in meeting some of the financial challenges they face in implementing new programs or purchasing new equipment, materials, or software for their school libraries or literacy programs. Schools within Dollar General's 35-state market area, as well as public school libraries recovering from major disasters, are eligible. Award amounts vary. Grant applications will be accepted starting May 1, 2007. The deadline for submission is August 10, 2007. Grants will be announced on September 28, 2007. Go to http://dollargeneral.com/community/communityinvestments.aspx for more information.
Beyond Words: The Dollar General School Library Relief Program
"Beyond Words: The Dollar General School Library Relief Program" benefits public school libraries in communities recovering from major disasters. NEA participates on the grant review committee and provides support materials to libraries. The fund provides grants for books, media, and/or equipment that support learning in a school library environment. For eligibility requirements and application details, visit http://www.ala.org/ala/pio/presscentera/piopresskits/bwneworleans/beyondwords.htm.
Family Literacy Grants
The Dollar General Family Literacy Grants will award grants to family literacy service providers. [Note: the Dollar General Literacy Foundation uses the federal government's definition of family literacy when reviewing grant applications.] For more information and eligibility requirements, go to http://dollargeneral.com/community/communityinvestments.aspx.
Youth Literacy Grants
The Dollar General Youth Literacy Grants provide funding to schools, public libraries and nonprofit organizations to help with the implementation or expansion of literacy programs for students who are below grade level or experiencing difficulty reading. Submission deadline: October 5; Announcement date: October 30. Go to http://dollargeneral.com/community/communityinvestments.aspx for more information.
Reading Rockets Has lots of Resources on Early Literacy
Getting ready to read begins long before the first day of kindergarten. A child's experiences with language, letters, and books build the foundation for becoming a reader. Check out Reading Rockets early literacy section for ways to make learning to read as easy as A-B-C! http://www.readingrockets.org/article/c62/
Grants to Spread Literacy & Love of Learning
Ezra Jack Keats Minigrant Program for Public Schools and Public Libraries supports educators, parents, and children in their efforts to spread literacy and love of learning. Visit http://www.ezra-jack-keats.org/programs/minigrant.html for more information.
Robyn Reports: The Nutty Neighborhood Block Party
"Robyn Reports: The Nutty Neighborhood Block Party," a new serial story for grades K–6, is now available from the Newspaper Association of America Foundation. Produced by Hot Topics Hot Serials, "Robyn Reports" is intended for use beginning Sept. 1, 2007. "Robyn Reports" is a 10-chapter serial by Stacy Tornio with illustrations by Roel Wielinga as well as a teacher's guide. The story revolves around a girl named Robyn, the force behind a weekly neighborhood newspaper. She and her intrepid reporters set out to cover the neighborhood block party so they can write about it for that week's edition. For more information, go to http://www.naafoundation.org/newspaperineducation/Robyn-Reports.aspx.
Looking for Quality Resources in Reading and Language Arts Instruction?
For access to the highest quality practices and resources in reading and language arts instruction, go to www.readwritethink.org, the new Web site from the International Reading Association and National Council of Teachers of English.
Want To Learn about Your State's Book Culture and Literary Heritage?
Since 1984, all 50 states and the District of Columbia have established statewide book centers that are affiliated with the Library of Congress' Center for the Book. Using themes established by the LOC, each state's center develops activities that promote its own state's book culture and literary heritage, sponsoring projects and hosting events that call attention to the importance of books, reading, literacy, and libraries. Go to http://www.loc.gov/loc/cfbook/stacen.html to check out your state's Center for the Book.
Youth Service America Launches Semester of Service in 2008
Young people are volunteering at record rates in America, more than any generation in history. The Semester of Service, a new broad-based initiative from Read Across America partner Youth Service America, will tap into that amazing energy, idealism, creativity, and commitment over an extended period of time to address some of the most intractable problems facing our world. Go to http://ysa.org/Programs/SemesterofService/tabid/170/Default.aspx for more information.
Mark Your Calendars: Read Across America Day is March 3, 2008
It's never too early to plan for next year's Read Across America Day celebration. Here are some tips to remember:
*Put Read Across America Day on your 2007–2008 school calendar.
*Send out Save the Date letters to your favorite guest readers.
*Send a reminder to your local newspapers or family magazines.
*Organize a planning committee.And remember, regularly check out what is new on www.nea.org/readacross.
"Reading should be a daily occurrence, just like brushing your teeth. If you work with your children to make the activity fun, the rest will fall into place."
Looking Ahead
Sep 29: National Book Festival
Nov 11-17: American Education Week 2007
Mar 3 2008: Read Across America Day
The long, hot days of summer provide kids with lots of time to relax, visit friends, enjoy the great outdoors, and read. It's also a time to make sure kids don't fall behind in their reading skills and achievement. Research shows children lose one to three months of learning every summer. Prevent this summer learning loss by getting your children "revved up" for reading.
Reading Rockets' Tips for Summer Reading
Reading Rockets, the national multimedia literacy resource that offers information and resources on how young kids learn to read, why so many struggle, and how caring adults can help, provides tips for parents, educators, librarians, and others about summer reading and summer learning loss. Plus, you'll discover great activities to encourage kids to learn, read, and have fun in the summer sun. Go to www.readingrockets.org.
Reading is Fundamental Gets Kids "Revved Up" for Reading
You can help get kids "revved up" for reading. Start by encouraging them to participate in the Reading Planet Grand Prix, in conjunction with the Scholastic Summer Reading Buzz contest, sponsored by Target. Kids can enter to win amazing prizes, as well as be reading for a good cause, because, for every 4 books they read, Scholastic will donate 1 book to RIF, up to 50,000 books! Go to http://www.rif.org/readingplanet/content/summer_reading_07.mspx for more information.
ALA's Summer Reading and Learning Tips
Summer reading programs began in the 1890s as a way to encourage school children to read, to use the library, and to develop the habit of reading during their summer vacations. Summer reading programs are geared for reading for the fun of it. Library summer reading programs take advantage of children's natural curiosity to introduce new subjects and different genres—things kids might not study in school but are interested in. The American Library Association has tips and resources for parents on summer reading, go to http://www.ala.org/ala/alsc/alscresources/summerreading/tipsresources/tipsresources.htm.
NEA's Books Across America Library Books Awards
The NEA Foundation, in collaboration with NEA, will make $1,000 awards to public schools serving economically disadvantaged students to purchase books for school libraries. The 2008 NEA's Books Across America Library Books Awards are made possible with support from individuals who donated to NEA's Books Across America fund to bring the gift of reading to students. Deadline for applications is Monday, November 12, 2007. For more information and eligibility criteria, go to http://news.nea.org/UM/T.asp?A2923.37871.17.30.1470programs/BAA_2007.htm.
F.I.L.M.'s Nancy Drew Program Inspires Young Readers
The Finding Inspiration in Literature and Movies program, F.I.L.M., encourages young readers to see a featured film, in this case Nancy Drew, a recent release from Warner Bros. Pictures; read one of the accompanying Nancy Drew mysteries; participate in activities from the free, downloadable activity guide; and complete a service project that relates to the central themes of the books and movie. Visit http://www.youthfilmproject.org/film/nancy.htm for more information.
Online Reading Resources from ALA's Association for Library Service to Children
The Association for Library Service to Children, a division of ALA, provides many practical and excellent resources available in print, nonprint, and emerging formats. Go to http://www.ala.org/ala/alsc/ alscresources/resources.htm for ALSC recommended booklists, links to online children's libraries and literature and reading Web sites, contact information for national youth organizations, and much more.
Kids Create their own Book Lists with Book Adventure
With Book Adventure Foundation's free reading motivation program for grades K–8, kids can create their own book lists from over 7,000 recommended titles, take multiple choice quizzes on the books they've read, and earn points and prizes for their literary successes. Go to http://www.bookadventure.org/.
Looking for Grants To Promote Youth Service and Service-Learning?
Youth Service America, a Read Across America partner, has grants and awards to help support and motivate youth, teachers, service-learning coordinators, and youth-serving organizations as they plan and implement projects for National Youth Service Day and on-going service throughout the year. To receive grant and awards updates and announcements, go tohttp://ysa.org/AwardsGrants/tabid/58/Default.aspx.While you are on YSA's home page, be sure to sign up for their news feed (some features require you to log in to servenet.org). http://servenet.org/Toolkit/ServiceWire/ServiceWireHome/tabid/73/Default.aspx
Books From The Heart® for Hurricane Katrina and Rita's Youngest Victims
In the wake of Hurricanes Katrina and Rita, The Heart of America Foundation® gathered and delivered more than 40 tons of backpacks, school supplies, toiletries, and books to displaced children in Louisiana, Mississippi, and Texas. In response to urgent requests and obvious need, The Heart of America Foundation® has extended this effort by providing Books From The Heart® for the hurricanes' youngest victims.Working with NEA's Books Across America initiative, the Books From The Heart® Adopt A School program offers help to students and schools affected by Hurricanes Katrina and Rita and provides opportunities for educators, students, parents, and others to give aid where it's needed most. More than 250,000 children have helped their fellow students in need. Your help is still crucial to the continued success of this program. To support this ongoing effort, go to http://www.heartofamerica.org/hurricane_submenu.htm.
Actors Read Kids' Favorite Stories
Storyline Online, an innovative Web site proudly sponsored by the Screen Actors Guild Foundation, features well-known actors reading quality children's picture books aloud. Each book features supplemental activities geared to strengthen the comprehension, verbal, and written skills of English-language learners worldwide. Go to http://www.storylineonline.net/ to learn more.
Prepping for September?
Just when you thought it was safe to head into summer, it's time to start thinking about another school year. Read Across America partners are great resources to make your job easier and your summer vacation stress-free.
YALSA Gets Teens Reading for the Fun of It.
Gear up for Teen Read Week, October 14–20, 2007, a national literacy initiative sponsored by the Young Adult Library Services Association. This year's theme is "LOL@ your library®," and it promotes humorous books and graphic novels as a tool for getting young adults to read. Look for Teen Read Week at hundreds of public and school libraries, classrooms, and bookstores across the country. Go to http://www.ala.org/ala/yalsa/teenreading/teenreading.htm for more information.
First Book® Asks Readers: What Book Got You Hooked?
Read Across America partner First Book has launched What Book Got You Hooked?, a national campaign to discover which books got Americans hooked on reading. The online campaign also asks readers to help select the state that will receive a special 50,000-book donation for children in need. Go to http://www.firstbook.org/site/c.lwKYJ8NVJvF/b.674095/k.CC09/Home.htm.
Dollar General's Literacy Grants Provide Much-Needed Funds
Dollar General has literacy grant programs that help provide funding for back-to-school needs and library relief, as well as family and youth literacy programs.
Back-To-School Grants
The Dollar General Back-to-School Grants provide funding to assist schools in meeting some of the financial challenges they face in implementing new programs or purchasing new equipment, materials, or software for their school libraries or literacy programs. Schools within Dollar General's 35-state market area, as well as public school libraries recovering from major disasters, are eligible. Award amounts vary. Grant applications will be accepted starting May 1, 2007. The deadline for submission is August 10, 2007. Grants will be announced on September 28, 2007. Go to http://dollargeneral.com/community/communityinvestments.aspx for more information.
Beyond Words: The Dollar General School Library Relief Program
"Beyond Words: The Dollar General School Library Relief Program" benefits public school libraries in communities recovering from major disasters. NEA participates on the grant review committee and provides support materials to libraries. The fund provides grants for books, media, and/or equipment that support learning in a school library environment. For eligibility requirements and application details, visit http://www.ala.org/ala/pio/presscentera/piopresskits/bwneworleans/beyondwords.htm.
Family Literacy Grants
The Dollar General Family Literacy Grants will award grants to family literacy service providers. [Note: the Dollar General Literacy Foundation uses the federal government's definition of family literacy when reviewing grant applications.] For more information and eligibility requirements, go to http://dollargeneral.com/community/communityinvestments.aspx.
Youth Literacy Grants
The Dollar General Youth Literacy Grants provide funding to schools, public libraries and nonprofit organizations to help with the implementation or expansion of literacy programs for students who are below grade level or experiencing difficulty reading. Submission deadline: October 5; Announcement date: October 30. Go to http://dollargeneral.com/community/communityinvestments.aspx for more information.
Reading Rockets Has lots of Resources on Early Literacy
Getting ready to read begins long before the first day of kindergarten. A child's experiences with language, letters, and books build the foundation for becoming a reader. Check out Reading Rockets early literacy section for ways to make learning to read as easy as A-B-C! http://www.readingrockets.org/article/c62/
Grants to Spread Literacy & Love of Learning
Ezra Jack Keats Minigrant Program for Public Schools and Public Libraries supports educators, parents, and children in their efforts to spread literacy and love of learning. Visit http://www.ezra-jack-keats.org/programs/minigrant.html for more information.
Robyn Reports: The Nutty Neighborhood Block Party
"Robyn Reports: The Nutty Neighborhood Block Party," a new serial story for grades K–6, is now available from the Newspaper Association of America Foundation. Produced by Hot Topics Hot Serials, "Robyn Reports" is intended for use beginning Sept. 1, 2007. "Robyn Reports" is a 10-chapter serial by Stacy Tornio with illustrations by Roel Wielinga as well as a teacher's guide. The story revolves around a girl named Robyn, the force behind a weekly neighborhood newspaper. She and her intrepid reporters set out to cover the neighborhood block party so they can write about it for that week's edition. For more information, go to http://www.naafoundation.org/newspaperineducation/Robyn-Reports.aspx.
Looking for Quality Resources in Reading and Language Arts Instruction?
For access to the highest quality practices and resources in reading and language arts instruction, go to www.readwritethink.org, the new Web site from the International Reading Association and National Council of Teachers of English.
Want To Learn about Your State's Book Culture and Literary Heritage?
Since 1984, all 50 states and the District of Columbia have established statewide book centers that are affiliated with the Library of Congress' Center for the Book. Using themes established by the LOC, each state's center develops activities that promote its own state's book culture and literary heritage, sponsoring projects and hosting events that call attention to the importance of books, reading, literacy, and libraries. Go to http://www.loc.gov/loc/cfbook/stacen.html to check out your state's Center for the Book.
Youth Service America Launches Semester of Service in 2008
Young people are volunteering at record rates in America, more than any generation in history. The Semester of Service, a new broad-based initiative from Read Across America partner Youth Service America, will tap into that amazing energy, idealism, creativity, and commitment over an extended period of time to address some of the most intractable problems facing our world. Go to http://ysa.org/Programs/SemesterofService/tabid/170/Default.aspx for more information.
Mark Your Calendars: Read Across America Day is March 3, 2008
It's never too early to plan for next year's Read Across America Day celebration. Here are some tips to remember:
*Put Read Across America Day on your 2007–2008 school calendar.
*Send out Save the Date letters to your favorite guest readers.
*Send a reminder to your local newspapers or family magazines.
*Organize a planning committee.And remember, regularly check out what is new on www.nea.org/readacross.
"Reading should be a daily occurrence, just like brushing your teeth. If you work with your children to make the activity fun, the rest will fall into place."
Looking Ahead
Sep 29: National Book Festival
Nov 11-17: American Education Week 2007
Mar 3 2008: Read Across America Day
2 comments:
Hey Linda--
I set up a link to this story after I did one on Summer Reading and Harry Potter.
Thanks for the great ideas. I love reading your blog.
Summer holidays is the best time to go for a vacation enrolling in contests or upgrade our skills. Every summer I think of reading a lot of books and upgrading my skills but always but end up in doing nothing, these tips are very useful to me hope I spend this summer effectively with out any learning loss.
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