Summer Reading Wrap-Up

We’ve survived the last busy weeks of summer and the first week(s) of school.  It’s time to kick back, take a deep breath, and relax.

Oh, right.  Never mind.

It’s back to school and back to all the activities that go along with it.  If your family’s schedule is anything like ours, it’s a miracle to find a night that doesn’t have something penciled in.  And let me tell you, we look forward to those nights.

Before you look ahead to the school year, it’s a good time to give yourself a pat on the back for any reading-related accomplishments from the summer:

• Did you participate in GRRL’s Summer Reading Program or any other programs?

• Did you make it through the ?  We did – we read a great number of books that we probably would have overlooked if not for the challenge of getting through those 100+ books without reading the same favorites over and over and over.

• Did your kids read or re-read any beloved series? Discover any new ones?

• Did you have any lazy rainy days at the cabin, perfect for sneaking in some reading time?

I hope that your family was able to find time for books during the busy summer months.

With these first few weeks of school upon us, now’s the perfect time to think about ways you can help and encourage your child’s reading habits. 

• September is National Library Card Sign-Up Month.  If you or your kids don’t have cards, now is the perfect time to get one.  And the Great River system is offering an incentive to do so – you could win an iPad for signing up or referring someone.  More details can be found on the GRRL website or stop into the St. Michael Library today!

• Reading Calendars – if your child tracks reading minutes each month, make it a point to have them fill it out the next day at breakfast, when they sit down to do homework after school, or another time that works well for your family.  Try not to leave it to the last minute!  Challenge your child to increase minutes each month.  You may want to consider offering your own incentive for meeting a goal.

• Scholastic Book Club Orders – one of my fondest memories of elementary school was the excitement that came along with Scholastic Book Club Orders.   Just looking over the order forms with your kids can be a great way to start a discussion about the types of books your child likes to read and encourage them to try new books.  You can get some great deals from these flyers!  And mark your calendars for your school’s Book Fair, usually held during conferences.

• Find resources, starting with your child’s teacher and Media Specialist.  They are very knowledgeable and will be able to make book recommendations and suggestions for your child.  Don’t be afraid to ask questions about your child’s reading ability and any challenges they might face. 

• Find fun reading-related events to attend at the local library or at independent booksellers around the Twin Cities.

• Don’t forget – it’s so important for kids to see their parents reading, too!

I'd love to hear your suggestions.  Here’s to a great school year ahead and Happy Reading!