keeledeb Website 
June Literacy Committee News
Closing the Summer Reading Gap:
You can Make a Difference!
There are a number of things that you can do to encourage summer reading. A large study conducted with middle level students found that reading four to five books during the summer was potentially enough to prevent a decline in reading achievement from Spring to Fall. We as a faculty at Eyer, are doing our share by sponsoring Literary Book Lunches. A list of participating teachers, the book and date of the lunch, will be included in the final report card. Please contact the sponsoring teacher via the email address provided, to register for the lunch.A minimum of 5 students must be registered for the book discussion to take place.
We are also asking you to promote reading at home over the summer. We are recommending the following activities:
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As a family, read together at least 15 minutes daily.
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Select books that appeal to your child's interest level.
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Use the five-finger test to help your child select books appropriate for his/her reading level. After your child chooses a book that looks interesting, open it to any page and read. Each time your child comes to an unknown word, a finger is raised. Five unknown words on a page indicate that the book is probably too difficult for independent reading.
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Provide opportunities for shared reading. In shared reading, you take turns reading aloud with your child. Begin with reading paragraphs alternately with your child. Gradually move onto longer sections.
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Set aside a special time each day to read aloud to your child.
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Vary your selections.
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Allow time for your child to settle into the story, as well as time afterward to talk about it.
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Ask your child to summarize a story using these five questions:
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Who or what is the story about?
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When or where does the story take place?
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What happens first? Next?
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What is the problem in the story?
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How is the problem resolved?
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How does the story end?
