General Tips & ResourcesRead, Write, Think - Parent & Afterschool Resources that are organized by grade level. There are activities and projects, games, tips, and how to's to help you get started or give you new ideas.
PBS - Summer Reading Tips for K-1 Students has practical advice to encourage reading and overcome obstacles you may face with reluctant readers. Reading Rockets - Summer Reading ideas as well as research about the importance of summer learning to student achievement. They have a variety of booklists (theme), activity ideas, and even day trips for book lovers. Start with a Book: Read. Talk. Explore. All Year Long! - This site strives to provide adults with research-based ideas to get kids into books all year long. There are some very creative ideas for incorporating writing into the mix through journaling, blogging, and more. Book Adventure - This fun website enables to students to search for books, read them offline, and then come back to take a quiz and earn points. They even offer parent resources to help you track progress. Some students are more motivated when there is some method of tracking. I Know That - Check out the Parent section or allow your child to explore the games. They offer a free trial so you can check it out! Neighborhood Book ClubBook clubs are not just for big people! Since there are probably families around you looking to keep learning alive over the summer, why not start a book club! Depending upon the number of children involved and their ages, you could organize it in a variety of ways [weekly, biweekly, etc.] and any time of the day. Wouldn't it be fun to do one meeting under the stars! To get the discussion started you could place questions in a hat and have the oldest child pick first. Some question ideas are: Who was your favorite character and why? What was your favorite part of the book and why? If you could pick one character to play, who would it be? How would you change the ending?
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APPSThere are so many apps to choose from these days. A few favorites are noted below. Click here to challenge your child to use an app to create a digital book summary or review. Maybe the school librarian would be wiling to upload, create a QR code, and put the code on the book. The next student who goes to checkout the book could scan the code to hear the review!
Mad Libs - Who can remember doing these as a kid? The wonders of technology allow you do replace the key words on your iOS compatible technology. The best news is that it is free!
Do Ink - Download Green Screen by Do Ink. All you need is a green tarp or green background and your imagination. It is compatible with iOS devices [$3]
Super Why Phonics - This app uses a carnival theme series of activities to practice spelling, practice letters, etc. It is compatible with iOS devices [$3].
Bob Books - The Bob Books are divided into different levels. The interactive series is known for being fun while developing reading skills. There is an iOS and Android version [Begins at $1.99].
StarFall ABC's - This is one in a series of interactive apps that uses positive reinforcement to strengthen letter and sound recognition.
iMovie - Although this iOS app has a fee, the investment will pay off! Students can create video trailers in no time. A fun way to create a book summary!
My Story App - Most students have had exposure to this app in school. They enjoy authoring their own tales with this easy-to-use and fun digital storytelling app.
The Epic! app starts at $4.99 but might be worth the investment. They offer over 10,000 children's books (generally for 12 years and under), including audio books and read-to-me features.
Helpful ResourcesBe sure to check out the Summer Reading Lists [click here]. It is important that children work at their independent reading level and try a variety of different types of books.
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This summer program is entering its 33rd year! The PA Writing & Literature Project (PAWLP) co-sponsors these classes with West Chester University and several local school districts. The classes are small, with students grouped by age and grade level, and are taught by teachers trained to teach multi-age classes. The costs vary and there are a limited number of needs-based scholarships available. Since registration is accepted on a first come, first served basis, and the classes fill quickly, you will want to check it out today!
Click on the image to view the 2017 catalog and learn more about their offerings.
Click on the image to view the 2017 catalog and learn more about their offerings.
Local Reading Programs
The Chester County Library System 2017 Summer Reading Club "Build a Better World" begins in June, 2017. There is information provided on their website, including incentives that will help keep your child reading every day this summer! Click here to read more about this great program!
Barnes & Noble has a reading program that requires students to keep track of the books that they read in a simple journal that can be downloaded from their site (click the picture to the left). After completing the challenge, you can bring the journal to your local Barnes & Noble and earn a free book! Their website also provides ideas and activities to use with your child.
The West Chester Public Library has posted its 2017 Summer Reading Challenge information. Click here!