Studies have shown when students are not engaged in educational activities during the summer break from school they often experience learning loss, effectively erasing gains made during the school year.
To help students stay ahead of the curve several House Republican lawmakers are sponsoring summer reading programs for kids. The reading programs challenge elementary school-aged students to read on their own during the summer months, choosing their own books and self-reporting their results.
Legislators have come up with unique ways to encourage young readers from recognition awards, ice cream socials and pizza parties to tickets for local sporting events.
More than 100 participants have already completed Rep. Ryan Spain’s summer reading program that ends on July 31. It is expected the number of participants will grow by the reading deadline. Click Here for participation details.
“Keeping the mind active through reading over summer break helps ensure students enter the next school year on the front foot,” said Spain. “My Summer Reading Program is a fun way to reward students by simply reading eight books over their summer break and returning a form signed by a parent or guardian. It’s important for all of us in our communities to encourage students to get ahead by becoming better readers.”
Summer reading programs are just one of many ways Illinois House Republican legislators are ensuring Illinois students succeed in their academics. the Literacy Improves Future Endeavors (LIFE) working group is focused on improving literacy and outcomes for all students through bold legislative initiatives that will improve reading scores and take action on the teacher shortage.