SUMMER READING

It is important to recognize the critical role parents and caregivers play in developing and supporting the pre-reading skills in their young children. Having incentives or ways to acknowledge the adults shows them that we in the public library know and celebrate what they do.  Gameboards or “reading logs” for our youngest children should include activities that develop language in addition to booksharing. Language activities include hearing and saying nursery rhymes, singing, activities that encourage talking, and play activities that support language.

Consider putting early literacy tips on your Summer Reading sign up webpage.

Article: Summer Reading and the Potential of the Public Library in Improving Reading for Children of Poverty Public Library Quarterly 2004

• Tips to Encourage Parents to Sign Up Babies and Toddlers
  PDF (Pamela Martin-Diaz, Allen County (IN) Public Library)

• Curious George Activity Sheet (sample) (order ALA cd)

• Activities/Ideas for Summer Reading Programs for
  young children

  • Growing Like a Read Activity Logs that can be used as model for reading program, Pioneer (OK) Library System, click on menu at right

  • Grow a Reader bookmark Pioneer (OK) Library System

  • Splish Splash Spout It Out for Reading

  • Ready Reader Gameboard sample

  • Allen County Public Library (Ft. Wayne, IN)

  • Wee Reader's Reading Log (Boone Co. PL, KY)

  • Skokie Public Library (IL) Activities 0-2 yrs., 2-3 yrs., 4-5 yrs.
    Gameboard notes to do Vocabulary activity, etc.

  • Kanawha County Public Library
    (Charleston, WV)

  • Naperville (IL) Public Library (0-3 years, 2 pages)