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Summer Library
Programs
Give Teens an Xtreme Boost!
By Laura Edge, Trussville
Public Library |
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What do Jefferson County Libraries offer teens this summer? An Xtreme
summer, that's what! The Jefferson County Library Cooperative,
consisting of 40 libraries across the county, will be offering a
chance for fun, and this year's teen theme is definitely XTREME!
Some of the
programs for teens offered around the county teach improvisation
like on the show Whose Line Is It Anyway? and other
acting skills. Arts and crafts activities will be presented as well
as programs especially for fans of C.S. Lewis's Narnia series and
Harry Potter fans. Libraries will have movie times and opportunities
for teens to meet with friends and make their own Xtreme summer fun.
Along with the Xtreme entertainment, readers will be offered
incentives for reading. These incentives may vary from stickers and
food coupons to bean bag chairs, CDs, and bicycles. Teens may earn
these rewards by completing a certain number of books or by reading
a specified number of minutes. The Summer Library Programs mean
more than mere entertainment. Here are some Xtreme statistics about
reading during the summer: studies show that teens who do not read
during the summer may lose as much as three month's worth of the
progress they made during the school year. This can add up to years
of progress lost over time. Weak reading skills can limit your
dreams and opportunities! As with all skills, practice is essential.
In an article from Instructor magazine "Bridging the
Summer Reading Gap," Anne McGill-Franzen and Richard Allington
suggest that reading as few as six books over the summer can help
students maintain their skills, and reading ten to twelve books can
lead to improvement.
So, what do the Jefferson County Libraries have to offer teens
this summer? The answer: a giant step on the road toward a lifetime
love for reading and learning, and a lot of Xtreme fun! |
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Ways to help youth of all
ages maintain reading skills during the summer |
Model reading for your children
You have the most impact on your children's
habits. Let them see you reading for information and for pleasure.
Keep interesting reading materials close at hand
Children will read more when print materials are always close
at hand. A wealth of free material is available at your library.
Limit TV watching and computer games
Set aside at least 30 minutes a day for family
reading time
Every family member should read during this time.
Frequently read books aloud with your school age youth, and discuss
what you are reading. Teens can read aloud to younger children.
Read up on summer activities with your child
If you will be taking a trip, go to the library
and read about the area you will be visiting. Find books about other
activities, hobbies, and sports that interest your children.
Go beyond the school's summer reading list
Summer might seem like an ideal time to get your child ahead on
school reading lists. However, if the books on the list do not
appeal to your child, let him begin by reading something he chooses
himself, and then return to the list if those books are mandatory.
Even if what he chooses is slightly below his reading level, the
experience of reading something enjoyable will help him get through
the more demanding books on the reading list. Remember all reading
practice helps.
Visit your local library!
Libraries are the perfect source for a variety of
free books, magazines, videos, and DVDs. Struggling readers can read
along with audio books that they check out. Sign up for your local
library's
Summer Library Program. These programs are usually free. |
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