Dear friends,
So glad to be here with #g2great friends before this holiday weekend . . . had a PK graduation and currently a soccer game. Busy times but such an important topic tonight!
Roman from Ontario, Canada. HS Teacher/Student Success Leader/Agent of Transformation. Happy to be checking in with #g2great tonight to talk about Preventing “Summer Slide”. Hope everyone has had a great week so far!
Welcome #G2Great friends. We are so grateful to be here tonight to talk about this important subject of summer slide. Thank you so much for your commitment to this topic!
Hi all! Katie @FurmanU professor from SC. I'm excited for tonight's chat as I gear up to teach my grad class AKA Literacy Corner where kids from the community come to develop their reading/writing skills in fun and engaging ways during the month of June. #FurmanAdvantage#g2great
A1. "Summer slide" for 1st & 2nd graders who do NOT read or write over the summer may lose up to 1/2 year. Kept data - Winter break took 3 months to recover from. Long time to not have "books" or reading materials in hand for three summer months!
#G2Great
A1 Active engagement in the reading/writing process is certainly one of the first things I notice. I often see a more passive approach to reading and writing #G2Great
Parent in Connecticut here. Was a partner on last month's #EDParentCamp, which had a theme of summer slide, so glad to hear more about this topic. #G2Great
A1. I see slide in volume --- students are not used to reading and writing in the amounts that we want in school. There's atrophy in the literacy muscle. #g2great
A1 I see students who don’t continue reading with passion or pleasure or writing in the summer. They have not found meaning, so when they return, many gains/insights were lost. Partly to blame for lacking to find purpose in instruction. New mission. #g2great
And if the summer slide is in large part due to our failure during the year, our kids are dealt a double WHAMMY and we’re to blame. We have to make volume the holy grail of our efforts! #G2Great
A1. I see slide in volume --- students are not used to reading and writing in the amounts that we want in school. There's atrophy in the literacy muscle. #g2great
A1- I see a slide in confidence. Students who had made gains in their own self-perceptions as readers and writers come back feeling discouraged and hesitant to take risks. #g2great
Parent in Connecticut here. Was a partner on last month's #EDParentCamp, which had a theme of summer slide, so glad to hear more about this topic. #G2Great
A1. I see slide in volume --- students are not used to reading and writing in the amounts that we want in school. There's atrophy in the literacy muscle. #g2great
A1 Summer slide happens to the children who can least afford it. If we made books a priority over the summer for ALL children, then we wouldn’t see these decreases. #G2Great
A1. Please take a minute and read this excerpt from "Summer Reading" by Allington and Franzen. Share it with others at your school and then make a strategic plan for students. #G2Great
A1: I see an apathy in the early weeks of the new school year. My HS students lose their reading/writing habits and take a few weeks to get the habits back. #g2great
A1: Agree with @franmcveigh - 5th graders who don't read over summer don't have "reading engines" that are ready to fly. Much akin to an athlete who doesn't train, it takes TIME to get "reading fit". #g2great
YES Letha! I don’t think that we talk about the emotional implications of those slides and we should be. It can impact how they view the coming school year. Yet one more reason to address this issue ALL year! #G2great
A1- I see a slide in confidence. Students who had made gains in their own self-perceptions as readers and writers come back feeling discouraged and hesitant to take risks. #g2great
A1 Summer slide happens to the children who can least afford it. If we made books a priority over the summer for ALL children, then we wouldn’t see these decreases. #G2Great
Just like most skills, if you don't practice it you get rusty. When I take a break from tennis (in the winter), it takes me time to get my game back. Same happens with reading. #g2great
Yes Jenn and sadly that can set off a domino of the worst kind. We just can’t allow that to happen and we know what we need to do to ensure that it won’t! #G2great
I think the conversations about reading is what is needed to help them avoid the summer slide. The amount of reading matters but the discussions and interactions take them further....or farther. hmmmm. #g2great
#g2great A1 Ss who don't complete summer reading may start the new school year with a failing grade for not being able to complete whatever activity is expected of them.
A1 Interest in reading is also apparent. This is disconcerting since we then have a period where we have to build that enthusiasm before we can get the volume that is needed. #G2Great
A1 When kids return to school in the fall, the passion of reading and writing has, for some, has ebbed. It takes weeks for that same love and feeling of confidence to return. Optimal: kids have opportunity and encouragement over the summer weeks to read and write #g2great
A1: Summer slide is tricky to me, I know it exists but at the same time I question if inaccuracies in assessment are the bigger issue and Ts use summer slide to explain away bumping kids up at the end of the year. #g2great
A2. Even when students make a year's growth during the year but lose a half yr in the summer-the net gain is only half a yr. Ss never catch up with 1 summer school. This is why there must be a sense of urgency & ALL days matter in learning. May is not break time.
#G2Great
Hi Molly! It seems that anytime we get out of a habit (of anything - reading, exercising, etc.) it takes time to get back into the practice, to develop the habits, and embrace that identity. #G2Great
A2 We can put kids in summer school and make the same mistakes that got them there in the 1st place. #1 we must remove all busy work & make it all @ active literacy engagement. #G2Great
A2. To truly "break even" most students would need to make a year and a half growth during the school year to stay on target. This is why school - parent collaboration is critical. Ss cannot maintain skills if they are dormant over the summer.
#g2Great
A1: Trying to share some ideas to help combat the summer slide through emails to faculty. Working on a newsletter for teachers so they can keep from slipping and sliding also! #g2great
A2 When we promote a literacy culture within communities we see change. Having texts that mirror our communities is a good start. Integrating the arts, sports, jobs all linking to literacy is the way. THE SCHOOL IS OPEN FOR ALL! @franmcveigh@brennanamy@DrMaryHoward#G2Great
A1 For fragile readers and writers they simply cannot afford to experience any kind of backward motion over the summer. They need the consistent practice and exposure to reading and writing. Partnerships (kids or adults) to grow their love rdg/wrtg is so helpful. #g2great
A2: Hmm I think the whole concept of summer school is an uphill battle. We can't expect kids to be excited about MORE school after they finish a year. We need to make sure that we are doing different and engaging work. Great literature and engaging writing #g2great
A2 Summer school needs to be transformed, as does “school”. We need to open summer learning to passion, to supporting personalized learning goals, to creating magic and a love of reading/writing. We need to be different, do what it takes for kids. #g2great
Everything we do (or fail to do) can have dramatic impact on how kids view books in a positive (or negative) way. That alone should make us want to do all we can to ensure the scale tips to the right side of that pendulum #G2great
A2: Summer school can become packets or excerpts or some other type of isolated "not real" reading.... or programs just for the sake of programs. Need to generate interest and excitement in the readers firsthand #g2great
My summer program involves math, writing, and the arts as much as we can. I do not want it to be like their classroom. They need engagement, especially during the summer. #g2great
A1: A sudden lack of endurance for reading and writing. June: 7-page paper. September: start with the basics again. June: reading novels for pleasure. September: tired after reading for 10 minutes. #g2great
I think also it's how reading goes at home. Has it typically been viewed as 'hard work'? Is it exhausting for parents to read with their kids (I'm thinking of my 1st/2nd graders)-is it even fun at all? Why wouldn't the family want to take a break if it isn't enjoyable?#g2great
Yes definitely and I think we can say that from both a student AND teacher perspective. We need to professionally engage in building the habits that will have a major impact on the habits that kids form too. #G2great
A2. When students leave on the last day of school, do those most at-risk have a back-pack FILLED with books? I can't think of any reason why they wouldn't. #G2Great
A2:consistent access to books. I try to meet up with my kids a few times over the summer for a “book party” at the library to get books in their hands. #g2great
#g2great we might be wiser to not spend valuable resources on summer school sessions of limited effectiveness and spend them on getting books into kids hands and homes. Allington’s Research indicates availability of books is critical.
A2 We remove the barrier when we put books and meaningful engagement in literacy experiences at the very center of those practices. Books are the summer school heartbeat. #G2Great
A2: In a perfect world, students wouldn’t fall so woefully behind during the school year. I’d love to see summer school be more about enrichment rather than remediation. #G2Great
In reply to
@hayhurst3, @franmcveigh, @brennanamy, @DrMaryHoward
I think for some kids they can get back into the swing of things pretty quickly and assessments done right away when school starts can be inaccurate. But I also think there are some kids for which the summer has a greater impact . #g2great
A2: Hmm...what about a year-round school calendar? It seems the long summer vacation is outdated. Most argue that kids in HS need to work. Many work year round any way. #g2great
As both a participant and a coordinator/moderator, my observation was how committed people are to seeking more than whatever their schools and communities offer. They want to partner and create new opportunities. #EDParentCamp#G2Great
Exactly why we have to hit the ground running on day one and make that our priority from all sides. Promoting book joy begins on the first day of school and continues until the last! #G2great
So true. I also find conflicts with summer activities such as swimming, camp, vacations....#g2great. With Ps working it is also hard to get them to school with a babysitter.
That’s such a great point Dale. Most of our kids wouldn’t be in the summer slide position if we ensured a strong footing as learners and readers during the entire school year! #G2great
A2: In a perfect world, students wouldn’t fall so woefully behind during the school year. I’d love to see summer school be more about enrichment rather than remediation. #G2Great
In reply to
@hayhurst3, @franmcveigh, @brennanamy, @DrMaryHoward
A2 The #1 summer barrier happens before summer. We have to view time as our most precious commodity & use every minute wisely so summer school won’t be needed. #G2Great
There’s nothing more inspiring than when educators and parents come together in the name of doing right by our kids. It’s a group effort for sure and definitely one grounded in our passion for kids! #G2great
As both a participant and a coordinator/moderator, my observation was how committed people are to seeking more than whatever their schools and communities offer. They want to partner and create new opportunities. #EDParentCamp#G2Great
A2. To truly "break even" most students would need to make a year and a half growth during the school year to stay on target. This is why school - parent collaboration is critical. Ss cannot maintain skills if they are dormant over the summer.
#g2Great
A1. Summer school - spread out some each summer month. School library open during summer 1 day each week. Ss get public library cards. Book mobiles. Books at ball games, swimming pools, everywhere kids are!
Send home BOOKS!
#g2great
A3. Tried splitting summer school in June and August. Didn't get same kids. Must think creatively and not compete with other community events. Build partnerships instead of bodies in seats!
#G2Great
A2 I wish that districts would rethink summer school. Ours is down to about 12 days now. PLEASE take all that money and buy books so that every kid goes home with 12-15 books (ones they chose) to read over the summer. Set up opportunity for them to exchange #g2great
I love memory-making and have such a strong regard for fun traditions- but I do worry when routines stop way before the end of the year. Need to keep up the curiosity, conversation, and learning to the end (while infusing in all those special activities). #g2great
#g2great we might be wiser to not spend valuable resources on summer school sessions of limited effectiveness and spend them on getting books into kids hands and homes. Allington’s Research indicates availability of books is critical.
A3 My adopted school has a book van that goes into their neighborhoods so that kids will have access to books the entire summer. It’s an amazing thing to see in action. #G2Great
For sure Pam. So much wasted time at the end of the year when we could be strengthening our foundation so that when they leave us we know that we’ve done all we could! #G2great
I love memory-making and have such a strong regard for fun traditions- but I do worry when routines stop way before the end of the year. Need to keep up the curiosity, conversation, and learning to the end (while infusing in all those special activities). #g2great
Here's a short blog on what parents & caregivers can do with/for their kids over the summer to keep learning happening- without workbooks! #g2greathttps://t.co/ojh0zZX9ev
As both a participant and a coordinator/moderator, my observation was how committed people are to seeking more than whatever their schools and communities offer. They want to partner and create new opportunities. #EDParentCamp#G2Great
A3: My students communicate with me via Google Docs with their school district E-Mail to share the books they are reading and we continue to have book convos! @DrMaryHoward#g2great
A3 We have had a summer program running for years and it keeps getting better. More time is better integrating PD as part of it treating it as a learning experience for everyone makes it very rich.= @franmcveigh@brennanamy@DrMaryHoward#G2Great
A3. I used to have set summer hours once a week at the library and I would read with any of my K-2 students who showed up. Free tutoring if you came! Only children who had an available adult to drive them could come though..... #g2great
A3: Referring to "last year" often. Summer enrichment programs to maintain skills. Summer assignments usually didn't work because some teachers would grade them and others wouldn't. Some didn't ask for them while others called home about them. Inconsistency never works. #g2great
A2: for 1sr time in years, I’m teaching Summer School, but only two weeks of enrichment. My focus is the 4Cs - collaboration, creativity, critical thinking, communication - through design challenges. Looking forward to it! #g2great
A3: I have learned that it is the amount of reading combined with a genuine purpose or reason to read. Assigning books to read over the summer doesn't work. #g2great
A3: My students communicate with me via Google Docs with their school district E-Mail to share the books they are reading and we continue to have book convos! @DrMaryHoward#g2great
A3:I set up a Summer Class in @Seesaw for the summer. Kids link up over the summertime see my posts about new books I’ve discovered, videos of me doing read alouds and I do a chapter book read along with those who wish to participate. Kids can post, too. #g2great
A3 I have tried to give objectives for the summer. When teaching summer school, I tried to tailor instruction to their needs. I have learned so much in the last year that I now have new plans to stay engaged even when apart; to build the love of learning. #g2great
A3 When students can start to develop relationships with their teachers during summer school it helps get the beginning of the next school year to a easier start. #g2great
We challenged 2 MS student councils to have the most books donated. Pizza party for the Student Council that donated the most. Needless to say, we had six pick up trucks FILLED with books. JUST DO IT. Children are depending on you! #G2Great
A2 I wish that districts would rethink summer school. Ours is down to about 12 days now. PLEASE take all that money and buy books so that every kid goes home with 12-15 books (ones they chose) to read over the summer. Set up opportunity for them to exchange #g2great
A2 If summer programs were more of "maker" programs or #wonder" programs like Camp @Wonderopolis I think students would be excited about extending their learning into summer. #g2great
In reply to
@hayhurst3, @franmcveigh, @brennanamy, @DrMaryHoward, @Wonderopolis
A2: I love the idea of mobile libraries and study halls! #g2great Refurbishing old school buses with wifi and books so students with no access can enjoy! https://t.co/Wc8qZc5Iqf
A3 We have had a summer program running for years and it keeps getting better. More time is better integrating PD as part of it treating it as a learning experience for everyone makes it very rich.= @franmcveigh@brennanamy@DrMaryHoward#G2Great
A3: We have had book swaps, ended with series book reading, gifted books, had a large cart of HIGH INTEREST books in great condition available for borrowing all summer long, started online book blogs for class members AND their family members, given notebooks... #g2great
A3: I have tried a lot of different things, sending home summer journals for reading and life in general, sending home books, signing kids up for library cards or summer reading camps...in the end the kids that would read on their own do and the ones that won't don't #g2great
A3. We have spent our Title I parent funds on books for kids. We bought the take-home books from LLI. We never had a way to really know the effect it had. #g2great
A3 Scholastic books is an amazing resource and schools are making it a priority for kids to be able to select free books to take home in the summer. #G2Great
When we think about summer "loss," we can't limit that thinking to reading.
Some kids mourn the loss of structure, consistent food, community & purpose during the summer months.
Ensuring that summer programs offer the same or MORE supports is key! ♥️ #g2great
A3b: I do not give up hope that there is an answer, when I am told kids are reading more on their own time I think ok they are becoming readers...that is good but not sure if they are summer readers yet. #G2Great
Yes totally rocks! We need visible signs (physical and emotional) that show our commitment to reading & breathe life into those values EVERY day! #G2great
Obviously everyone's different, though I don't believe parents think this overall. If learning is defined by what school does, then many families want something else. A different environment, even less structure, offers opportunities for a different kind of learning. #G2Great
A3. Our team developed a summer school, before the year begins, program for kinders who speak little to no English. Jump Start to Kinder. BEFORE they arrive behind, be proactive and provide those very beginning skills that can make such a difference! #G2Great
A3: Our student leadership team organized a book drive and 1,400 books were donated. Ss get to select two books to bring home for summer reading. #g2great
I love this Russ. We have a tendency in summer programs to just repeat the same mistakes. What a difference that would make to allow books and dialogue to be our summer learning thread! #G2great
A3 Some schools keep their libraries open for a few days during the summer months. There’s no reason that we couldn’t make this a priority in EVERY school! #G2Great
I saw this question before I saw what it was responding to and thought it was an interesting metaphor for something! Anyway, looks beautiful, Mary! #G2Great
We have a wonderful organization here in Greenville called @PEPGreenville that helps give books to our local kids for summer reading! Thanks PEP! #G2Great
A3: Our most striving readers were able to select new 10 books at their independent level to read in addition to three empty writing books for stories, journals, or informational text. #g2great
This is such a beautiful point Cornellius and one that must be part of the conversation (and can I just say my heart went pitter patter to see you on my screen here in Honolulu! #G2great
When we think about summer "loss," we can't limit that thinking to reading.
Some kids mourn the loss of structure, consistent food, community & purpose during the summer months.
Ensuring that summer programs offer the same or MORE supports is key! ♥️ #g2great
A4. Summer school and swimming lessons at local pool coordinate schedules. Convenience and "rides" in rural areas matter!
Win/Win for Both!
#StopSummerSlide#G2Great
A3 When I first taught Secondary Reading, I created a summer program that was creative and involved students in writing authentic scripts about their neighborhoods. It intrigued the young adults and it was a fun project for them. #G2Great
In reply to
@hayhurst3, @franmcveigh, @brennanamy, @DrMaryHoward
A4 We have so many resources that we can pull from but we have to follow through to ensure that these resources will work for the greater good of our efforts. #G2Great
A4 That is a hard one to answer bc I'm not sure. I think it helps to invite more of the community into the program bc it grants open access to our schools. This is how we create a better future for kids. Q3 @franmcveigh@brennanamy@DrMaryHoward#G2Great
A3 For the third year our district partners with our tri-city public libraries and city governments to throw a big party in early May. It's a kick-off to our tri-city summer reading. Events all summer both in district and public libraries give access to ALL kids. #g2great
A4: I engage my parents by texting about library programs during the summer. Sometimes I meet my kids there. This summer I plan to do a workshop at a local art gallery. #G2Great
A4 Unfortunately, in the past, I have not. As I prepare to return to the classroom, I will use the summer to start rebuilding the partnership with parents, students & global partners, including authors. My students are in for a wild ride. #g2great
A4: How can you not involve parents in summer reading?!?! My former students meet me with their families at the libraries sometimes over the summer to have book talks and we share fun picture books! It’s AMAZING!! @DrMaryHoward#g2great
A4: Our local library spoke to all grade levels this week about their summer reading program. They also have a maker space. It would be interesting to know how many Ss take advantage of this resource. #g2great
A4: Our school became organizational members of the MD Book Bank allowing us to take up to 500 books a month for our kids. Giving away lots of books for summer reading the last week of school. #G2Great
Yes we have to but then we also have to acknowledge those kids who don’t have that kind of summer support and put something in place so that no child will fall through the summer cracks. #G2great
A4: How can you not involve parents in summer reading?!?! My former students meet me with their families at the libraries sometimes over the summer to have book talks and we share fun picture books! It’s AMAZING!! @DrMaryHoward#g2great
One of my pet peeves was when working in an at-risk school and children didn't return a library book they couldn't check out another one. Sheesh! They may have moved twice since they last saw that book. Books in the hands of children! #G2Great
A1 Arguably, many students quit reading/writing in the summer because schools have hampered their love of it (especially at higher grades). Doing more during the year to promote reading for pleasure (e.g. free reads, passion projects, community building) is paramount. #G2great
Love what my former principal does at his new school. Check out Bronco Stories on YouTube. Awesome way to keep connected with Ss during summer! https://t.co/4xpMpFDtkP#g2great
A4 There are many businesses who are willing to donate books if we take the time to find them. Parent groups can also provide an amazing resource. Don’t wait to find options. #G2Great
Absolutely!! I send home RAZ-Kids books for those students who do not have technological access as well as no access to a library!! #g2great Always make sure students have access to books!!!! That’s part of our J-O-B! ❤️❤️
TOTALLY! Who has the energy for this at the end of the year? Couldn't agree more! If literacy is a priority then write down the goals now to implement next year. #G2Great
hey, not-fun fact: my coteachers and I at the shelter were rarely allowed to take vacations over the summer because so many families come into transitional housing right after the school year ends. #g2great
When we think about summer "loss," we can't limit that thinking to reading.
Some kids mourn the loss of structure, consistent food, community & purpose during the summer months.
Ensuring that summer programs offer the same or MORE supports is key! ♥️ #g2great
So I’d like to think that instead of reading, the kids are out playing, getting dirty, making up games. Maybe it’s not such a summer slide as much as it’s a failure on our part to recognize joy of another kind? #G2Great
A5. Check your calendar for summer. Going on vacation? Read about possibilities of places to go/things to do together! Put time on the calendar 5 x a week for READING. Choose a book to read aloud together! Make going to the library a priority!
#G2Great
A5 Read! Read! Read! Read! Read! There is no shortcut to getting books in children’s hands & to make a commitment to reading to with & by kids. It MUST begin there #G2Great
A3 during the school year, I try to get my students to see words and reading skills are everywhere (not just books). If they are watching television or movies, they can build their vocabulary. When I check in with them, since they are not reading on their own #G2Great
A1: Slide happens in writing; agree @ssvincent and know we understand how to support reading but must plan for writing support, too. All aspects of literacy development need support in summer. #G2great
A1. I see slide in volume --- students are not used to reading and writing in the amounts that we want in school. There's atrophy in the literacy muscle. #g2great
I’m excited to see how our #ProjectLITBookClub does next year! One of our super ELA Ts, @watkinskaleb has worked extremely hard #g2great to bring it to our H.S.! His Ss have read almost 1000 books this year! ❤️
A4: #g2great
We have such a great relationship with our public library! They are definitely going to help with the #summerslide They really got our kids excited about the summer reading program and the awesome activities at the @Marysvillelib :)
A5: Read, READ, READ!!!!!!!!!! For those who can, have meaningful dialogues about the books the children are reading. Encourage students to share their book love with family and friends! Read alongside your child ❤️ Book LOVE is LIFE! #G2great@DrMaryHoward
A5 Read! Read! Read! Read! Read! There is no shortcut to getting books in children’s hands & to make a commitment to reading to with & by kids. It MUST begin there #G2Great
A5 Consistency is good for children. Schedule time to read, write, and think/talk about MATH too. It doesn't have to be fancy just real experiences that grow curious minds. Let your children teach you something every day. @franmcveigh@brennanamy@DrMaryHoward#G2Great
A5 Give students plenty of opportunities to choose books that they want to read, then give them plenty of time to read. Joing book clubs or start your own. Make it social and fun. #g2great
That’s a great point Adria and I think that if we’d marry those two goals, that reciprocity would maximize our efforts. We can set the stage for this union during the entire school year #G2great
A1: Slide happens in writing; agree @ssvincent and know we understand how to support reading but must plan for writing support, too. All aspects of literacy development need support in summer. #G2great
A1. I see slide in volume --- students are not used to reading and writing in the amounts that we want in school. There's atrophy in the literacy muscle. #g2great
That is why I recommend Camp @Wonderopolis. It has a maker component; is interactive; offers badges. There's learning but it is through a gaming/making window. If you check it out Jeremy let me know what you think of it. #G2Great
A5 You need to change your views on learning. Be unique, be different. Create adventures and build learning relationships. When we deeply engage Ss/Ts/Parents in learning, we will allow for a desire to keep “learning” in the summer for fun. Create magic! #g2great
I love that you wrote this. I really think that many families look forward to exactly these things. I think my goal is for my students to find as much joy in reading as in all of their other summer pastimes. If they're not loving to read then it's a dead end #g2great
Love the purposeful reading experiences. They can read (and write) reviews of restaurants, movies or parks to help them decide what to do. And don't forget about reading/writing book reviews of course! #G2Great
A5: It’s easier said than done, but I think we need to flip the summer slide paradigm on its head. Rather than thinking of it as a preventive measure, it should be a “summer launch” that propels students into the next year (and beyond). #G2Great
In reply to
@hayhurst3, @franmcveigh, @brennanamy, @DrMaryHoward
A4 Our district/tri-city summer reading commitment has brought families and books, libraries and city government together. We collected data the last 2 years and see growth versus decline. Read about it here: https://t.co/w6u2f6qB06 and here:https://t.co/bxfA9y0gBR#G2Great
A5: READ together or next to each other, spend time outside, play with them, give them experiences and talk with them while there. One year my daughters & I colored a world map as we read stories from around he world - share this w/parents, along with book selections #g2great
A5: It’s easier said than done, but I think we need to flip the summer slide paradigm on its head. Rather than thinking of it as a preventive measure, it should be a “summer launch” that propels students into the next year (and beyond). #G2Great
In reply to
@hayhurst3, @franmcveigh, @brennanamy, @DrMaryHoward
I saw that you are receiving book donations, Roman. I received a palette of books to distribute to Long Island Ts via @Wonderopolis' Wonder Lead Ambassador Program from @ScholasticEd. It's like Christmas when I give the books out. #G2Great
In reply to
@NowakRo, @DrMaryHoward, @Wonderopolis, @ScholasticEd
A5. Seek out parents who might enjoy creating something inviting like this at the local library. Many times parents just need someone to encourage them and provide an idea and they LOVE running with it. #G2Great
#g2great A5 Expand our notion of what literacy is. Planning a trip includes maps, calculating budget, reading reviews, reading brochures, museum visits, etc.
A5 In one of my schools we held brief monthly sessions for parents & sent them a monthly newsletter of simple suggestions to make summer (and yearlong) reading a priority. #G2Great
Don't falsely believe if you want students to do something, such as enjoy reading, that you'll force them to. They will resent it. Instead, promote literacy via positive relationships, its innate pleasure, and relevant, worthwhile selections. #G2great
In reply to
@hayhurst3, @franmcveigh, @brennanamy, @DrMaryHoward
A5 I'd like my students and their parents to value all kinds of reading. Sometimes picking up a book may seem like too much for my struggling readers. I want them to know that all reading counts. #g2great
A5 Advice to schools--empty out your classroom and campus library shelves as kids choose books to "check-out" for the summer.
Advice to parents--go to the library several times a week. Get with other families and exchange book recommendations. Read. Talk about books. #g2great
Absolutely but there are always going to be parents who don’t know how to put this in place (or even a few who refuse to do so). We can’t assume that parents have the knowledge and resources to do this. Even transportation can be an issue! #G2great
This is because most families don't go straight from an eviction to shelter. In NYC, families apply for transitional housing, and counselors will do whatever they can to match families with other options. The number one option is doubling-up with friends or family. #g2great
A6. Ss who have books in their homes and who read will not lose like Ss who do not have books! Make sending home books a priority. Don't leave books on school shelves. Online access also. Help Ss access books all summer long!
#G2great
A6 When we know this research, we have a clear responsibility to consider it a call to action. The kids who can least afford it are the very students who suffer the most. #G2Great
I would totally use @DonorsChoose if they were in Canada. In the mean time. Some amazing hearts and friends have been wonderful. Watch out for an amazing year. #g2great
In reply to
@cvarsalona, @DrMaryHoward, @Wonderopolis, @ScholasticEd, @DonorsChoose
A6: This is very real to me, I am actually blogging at the moment with a story that this touches on. If you don't have books you can't read books and if the choice is food or books, bills or books. Books will lose. #G2Great
There’s nothing more inspiring than when educators and parents come together in the name of doing right by our kids. It’s a group effort for sure and definitely one grounded in our passion for kids! #G2great
As both a participant and a coordinator/moderator, my observation was how committed people are to seeking more than whatever their schools and communities offer. They want to partner and create new opportunities. #EDParentCamp#G2Great
It’s about time we listen to the wisdom of Allington and others isn’t it. We want “solutions’ in the form of doing when we fail to look at what we can put in place (and in hands) all year #G2great
#g2great we might be wiser to not spend valuable resources on summer school sessions of limited effectiveness and spend them on getting books into kids hands and homes. Allington’s Research indicates availability of books is critical.
Works for adults too. I think the PBS Great American Read is creating that magic for adults. I made a list of 6 books I want to read and already started the first! #GreatReadPBS#g2great
A5 You need to change your views on learning. Be unique, be different. Create adventures and build learning relationships. When we deeply engage Ss/Ts/Parents in learning, we will allow for a desire to keep “learning” in the summer for fun. Create magic! #g2great
A5 Summer slide is real so summer reading campaign before the end of the school year is a great idea (book trailers, advertisements, public librarians bringing library card applications to the schools)=> ideas from the districtwide summer reading program I administered. #g2great
In reply to
@hayhurst3, @franmcveigh, @brennanamy, @DrMaryHoward
A6 Supports cannot be one-size-fits-all for anyone in anything. To create equity, we need to tailor our supports to allow for support of learning for all students. We need to think outside the box to give equal opportunities for all kids to learn and succeed. #g2great
Here's a short blog on what parents & caregivers can do with/for their kids over the summer to keep learning happening- without workbooks! #g2greathttps://t.co/ojh0zZX9ev
As both a participant and a coordinator/moderator, my observation was how committed people are to seeking more than whatever their schools and communities offer. They want to partner and create new opportunities. #EDParentCamp#G2Great
A6 It is up to us, educators, to keep raising the bar and allow for equity. If we see it, we can’t stand back and do nothing. Do what it takes to be there for every child. It is a bold and needed mission to support our kids. #g2great
Friends who can no longer support having a homeless family staying in their apartments usually wait until after the school year is over to ask a homeless family to leave, in the hope of protecting the children. So come July, all these kids experience wild transitions. #g2great
A6 These findings are commensurate with the Hart and Risley study. We have to keep spreading the word, engaging the communities that we serve. @franmcveigh@brennanamy@DrMaryHoward#G2Great
A6- We also have to recognize that getting books into their hands is but one piece of the puzzle. Students need time, space, and support. It is very hard to read or to even think about reading if there are deeper struggles going on. #g2great
Access is key. There are kids who have an abundance of books in their homes, have transportation to libraries, etc. For kids without this access, the summer slide is going to have a greater impact. #g2great
A5: Make reading a part of the culture of school and of home! When Ss see us reading they understand its value! When they see other Ss reading they become curious and begin to find what interests them. Peer pressure can be a good thing sometimes!#g2great
A6 Interestingly too many poverty schools create convoluted intervention quick fixes and volume is the first to go when it should be the non-negotiable. Misplaced priorities! #G2Great
A6: Summer not only exacerbates the reading gap but also the experience gap. Both widen the chasm between haves and have nots, in school & life. #g2great
Thank you. Kids need books! So honor Ts & others who work to get books into kids hands. We’ve done 4 big book giveaways this year. #PFMSM@lausd@ldsouth#g2great
I used to sell kid's books on EBay. Decided to close my store. Found a low income school district and donated them all. Insisted that they be put in the hands of students for free. ❤📚 #g2great
A6: As an environmental school, it would be great to come up with ways for Ss to compare, estimate, observe, hypothesize, and investigate the outdoor classroom as citizen scientists and write about it. Would that provide more access to learning and thinking? #g2great
I used to sell kid's books on EBay. Decided to close my store. Found a low income school district and donated them all. Insisted that they be put in the hands of students for free. ❤📚 #g2great
A6 Vocabulary deficiencies due to the lack of reading at home... due to the lack of volume of books is a major reason for this. Programs and interventions can't go anywhere if families have to buy food and utilities over libraries of books #g2great
A6 This should elicit extensive conversation about filling kids heads with worksheets & one-size-fits-all lessons when we could be filling their head AND heart with books! #G2Great
A5 - Any and all reading is good reading! It shouldn’t matter if a child is excited about reading a magazine, newspaper, comic book, graphic novel, or book. #g2great
A critical intervention is experiential learning. Often we understand a child’s reading hesitancy as a ‘reading problem.’ The issue may be that we keep stripping from school curricula everything that isn’t school reading and school math. #G2Great
A6 Interestingly too many poverty schools create convoluted intervention quick fixes and volume is the first to go when it should be the non-negotiable. Misplaced priorities! #G2Great
We'd provide structured educational spaces onsite. We're trauma-informed educators, we're very good at our jobs. But the losses those kids felt were academic, emotional, logistic, material, psychological... listen to Corn. For homeless kids, Summer is all kinds of loss. #g2great
I would challenge us to critically examine the Hart and Risley study. Although it's widely cited, there are several flaws in the study. In particular, it uses a deficit lens to view children. Here's some info. #G2Greathttps://t.co/BlTED95ecv
In reply to
@hayhurst3, @franmcveigh, @brennanamy, @DrMaryHoward
A7. Empty the books off of school library shelves. Summer should not be inventory gathering dust on shelves. Garage sales. May book exchanges=bring one book, take home two. PTA, Big Brother/Sister collect and share!
#G2Great
A6 Vocabulary deficiencies due to the lack of reading at home... due to the lack of volume of books is a major reason for this. Programs and interventions can't go anywhere if families have to buy food and utilities over libraries of books #g2great
@JeremyDBond I would love to hear what you daughter thinks of Camp @Wonderopolis also. You can sign up as a counselor-she as a camper. https://t.co/DBzrKNjvAP#g2great please share Camp Wonderopolis w your Ss & #Parents before school ends. I am sure you will like it!
A6 We need to value our students' life experiences by providing books that they will want to read. Too often poverty => high stress, high trauma and more. My book choices may not be their book choices. We need to listen to them. #g2great
A7 Talk to your public library. Find community partners to help put books in the hands of children. Lend books for the summer, have talks, use @Flipgrid, keep the conversation going so when school is back, they are excited to share in their learning. #g2great
A7 Donors Choose is a great source. Imagine if every teacher uses this to prepare by gathering summer reading resources. Books change lives. Cute plastic chairs don’t. #G2Great
A7: Public Library, Classroom Library and Bookstore. I would not hesitate to buy a book for a student if they emailed me for it and I didn't have it. #G2Great
I agree... I haven't found a solution but have thought for a long time that vocabulary/word acquisition through volume of reading from infancy is a lynch pin... not a program of do this this and this #g2great
We examined this closely and came up with a plan - Jump Start to Kindergarten - teachers designed the activities that would best prepare the students to start school. Every little bit helps! #G2Great
A6 Vocabulary deficiencies due to the lack of reading at home... due to the lack of volume of books is a major reason for this. Programs and interventions can't go anywhere if families have to buy food and utilities over libraries of books #g2great
A7 Donors Choose is a great source. Imagine if every teacher uses this to prepare by gathering summer reading resources. Books change lives. Cute plastic chairs don’t. #G2Great
A7 Donors Choose is a great source. Imagine if every teacher uses this to prepare by gathering summer reading resources. Books change lives. Cute plastic chairs don’t. #G2Great
A7 Scholastic has been an amazing resource for summer reading points can easily be used as a part of this process. Create partnerships with local businesses to secure donations #G2Great
Libraries are creating wonderful programs to bring the power of reading to students in the summer. Kids just need to be aware of this and have opportunities to go there. #G2Great
And/or if businesses/chambers of commerce in every area made gifting books a charity priority just how many kids in all areas of need could be reached; teachers may need to do better engaging comm. in this issue??? #g2great
Public libraries! Would love to have field trips to get every child their own card. How many educators caught #kidsneedbooks ? Writers getting books to our kids! #g2great
I love this Lisa. There is ALWAYS a way to bring kids and books together so we have to look anywhere and everywhere we can to make that happens. #G2great
Id love to see schools support storytelling, story being, story knowing. I worked for a superintendent of a large city school system. she spent $$$ ensuring kids were fed and got to go on great trips to the seashore, movies, parks, and yes they got a few books too. #G2Great
Yes, and families could be encouraged to have conversations with children in any language about any topic. We all come with our own integral experiences and vocab. Some may have more access to the academic vocabulary of school and others just need more opportunities #G2Great
A7 Start exploring summer resources on the 1st day of each school year. It’s a long-term goal we work toward all year every year so we must hit the ground running on day 1. #G2Great
I build a little free library in a nearby low income neighborhood. It is located in front of an afterschool/summer program for children and is well used. In fact, I am going to need to gather some donations to restock it for the summer months! #g2great
Trying to write my last #curiositycrew post for the week and do two chats that are giving me more fuel to write is a recipe for greatness or disaster...#G2Great#waledchat
How can you not allow it? I know I was in one school where they frowned on it and made teachers jump through hoops and sign contracts they wouldn’t take it with with them but how can they just say NO? Astounding! #G2great
A5 - Any and all reading is good reading! It shouldn’t matter if a child is excited about reading a magazine, newspaper, comic book, graphic novel, or book. #g2great
A8. Summer school explore topics of own choice. No "required reading" - follow interests of Ss. Reading and writing are fun. Use of flipgrid, google tools to write to friends w/o boring, mandated topics!
#G2Great
This is great . I've seen these in more suburban areas around me but wondered if the little book huts were popping up in other places (especially of higher need). #g2great
A8 Create reading circles/clubs, stay engaged with kids. Go into the community, invite them back to school for snacks and talks. Make sure that school is not synonymous with “strict learning”. Show them learning happens everywhere. Learning all year round. #g2great
A8. Set up post cards so Ss can write to each other. Get and receive mail. Once a week scheduled book club meetings at library/school/ball games. Dedicated answering machine at school to call # and report on favorite books!
#G2Great
A8 Joyful student-centered flexible authentic engaging reading should the heart & soul of our efforts. Why wouldn’t those same goals reside in efforts around summer reading? #G2Great
There’s actually been some push back about the LFLs for that reason. Also, just putting it there isn’t enough. We need to regularly maintain it. I like to elicit help from my college students too! #G2Great
A8 Follow student's interest - ask them. Sounds simple but it's a powerful thing to do. Just be ready to drop the agenda and follow their lead. #G2Great@franmcveigh@brennanamy@DrMaryHoward
A7: This would be an amazing community project! Books to those who don’t have a means of transportation during the summer! #g2greathttps://t.co/5MwvOHRFkg
A8 Follow student's interest - ask them. Sounds simple but it's a powerful thing to do. Just be ready to drop the agenda and follow their lead. #G2Great@franmcveigh@brennanamy@DrMaryHoward
A8 I can’t help but think that as we design summer literacy experiences around “fun choice & multiple opportunities” we should consider how these should be grounded in the school year #G2Great
#G2Great Sorry to miss tonight’s chat but wanted to celebrate our KISD Book Bus with you! I’m so excited for this opportunity to put a free book in the hands of students and their families this summer! Also, you may want to share the 3 mo for $3 from Epic! With families 😊
Yes... building it is a first step but must be kept going. I wonder if that is where local businesses (grocers, etc) could be part of the solution through their charitable activities #g2great
A8 Create reading circles/clubs, stay engaged with kids. Go into the community, invite them back to school for snacks and talks. Make sure that school is not synonymous with “strict learning”. Show them learning happens everywhere. Learning all year round. #g2great
We have a cart outside the library all year with books that have been weeded out. I love to see kids gathered around it and putting books into their backpacks! #g2great
A8- I write my students letters and enclose a SASE so they can write back. I can never get over how many run up to me on the 1st day back full of excitement over our correspondance. For many, it's the only mail they've ever received. #g2great
That’s incredible Kasey. SO you were LIVING what we were talking about tonight. That is what this whole discussion needs to be all about. Without ACTION, nothing will ever change. #G2great
#G2Great Sorry to miss tonight’s chat but wanted to celebrate our KISD Book Bus with you! I’m so excited for this opportunity to put a free book in the hands of students and their families this summer! Also, you may want to share the 3 mo for $3 from Epic! With families 😊
A8 I can’t help but think that as we design summer literacy experiences around “fun choice & multiple opportunities” we should consider how these should be grounded in the school year #G2Great
Yes, I am working with the SPED Ts in our regional off districts schools and they did not have classroom libraries for their HS Ss. Through the @ScholasticEd All for Books Program liaison w @Wonderopolis I was able to provide the with books. #ThankfulThursday#G2Great
In reply to
@franmcveigh, @DrMaryHoward, @ScholasticEd, @Wonderopolis
A8 Joy and books should be how we describe any powerful literacy design. This design excludes frivolous boring contrived time-wasting activities any time of the year. #G2Great
hey, not-fun fact: my coteachers and I at the shelter were rarely allowed to take vacations over the summer because so many families come into transitional housing right after the school year ends. #g2great
When we think about summer "loss," we can't limit that thinking to reading.
Some kids mourn the loss of structure, consistent food, community & purpose during the summer months.
Ensuring that summer programs offer the same or MORE supports is key! ♥️ #g2great
The children were so excited to see if they could persuade other s to take home their book for the holidays. It was a good feeling to be part of this lesson. #G2Great
A8: Our school (adults and kids) have accountability partners. It would be great if Ss set up a reading goal/plan and could check in weekly with their accountability partner. #g2great I’ve set up a reading plan with another teacher for reading over the summer.
There is a man in the oceanside bistro where I’m sitting who is mopping the floor and singing joyfully. It’s a reminder that we must bring joy and passion tool we do. That just makes my heart go pitter patter! #G2great
The article makes me wonder if the authors differentiated between fiction and nonfiction texts. If I remember right, China and other eastern countries focus more on nonfiction and the USA, up until recent, has focused on fiction. #G2Great
A6 Supports cannot be one-size-fits-all for anyone in anything. To create equity, we need to tailor our supports to allow for support of learning for all students. We need to think outside the box to give equal opportunities for all kids to learn and succeed. #g2great
We thank you for joining us tonight and thinking, sharing, collaborating on preventing the summer slide. Take these words of wisdom to heart! @franmcveigh@brennanamy@DrMaryHoward#G2Great
