How to keep kids reading this summer
'No more pencils, no more books. . . . " No more books? Many parents don't want their kids to give up reading over the summer because research shows that students can fall behind if they don't practice what they learned during the academic year. Here are some ways to keep those chanters turning the pages while on school vacation.
Suffolk Cooperative Library System : 631-286-1600, scls.suffolk.lib.ny.us
Each of the 56 local libraries offers its own variation of a summer reading club for children who hold a library card. At Sachem Public Library, for instance, the club begins with a kickoff event Saturday called "Bubblemania," featuring a performer who creates enormous bubbles. Members of the club, through fifth grade, need to read eight books and report on them online to complete the program. If they read 10 or more, their names are posted on a "wall of fame." "We don't require oral book reports because we have such a large number of participants, they'd actually be reporting to us all day long," says Linda Overton, head of children's services there, who said 3,300 children registered for the program last summer. Children receive prizes intermittently as they complete books. A separate program inspires students entering grades 6 to 12. Call your library (contact info is on the Suffolk system's Web site) to find out about programs similar to Sachem's.
Nassau Library System : 516-292-8920, nassaulibrary.org
Each of the 54 Nassau libraries creates its own specific reading-incentive program, many based on the New York State Library system's annual theme of "Be Creative @ Your Library" for children through grade 6 or "Express Yourself @ Your Library" for young adults, says Renee McGrath, youth service manager for the system. At Seaford Public Library, for instance, the program kicks off Monday and Tuesday with face painting, tattoos and balloons. The hippopotamus characters George and Martha from the children's books of the same name also will also be there. Participants read books at their level and can come into the library anytime it's open to show they've read the book by doing an oral or written review or drawing a picture. Little children can be read to by their parents. An end-of-the-summer celebration is planned for everyone who reads at least one book; "Jester Jim" will perform magic and comedy Aug. 14 at Seaford High School.
BARNES & NOBLE BOOKSELLERS : bn.com
Check details with your local store: Bay Shore, Carle Place, East Northport, Huntington, Lake Grove, Lake Success, Manhasset or Massapequa.
All Long Island stores are participating in the chain's nationwide summer reading program, which began in mid-May to accommodate Southern schools that begin summer break earlier, and runs through Sept. 7. Carle Place, for instance, had its kickoff party at the beginning of May, celebrating the launch of the newest Percy Jackson and the Olympians book, the fifth in author Rick Riordan's series called "The Last Olympian." Students entering grades 1 to 6 can come into a store and pick up a journal sheet. If they read eight books by Sept. 7, they will receive a choice of a free book and be entered in a raffle to win an autographed copy of a Riordan tale. Parents must sign the journal for each book read, and readers must describe their favorite part of each story. Books don't have to be purchased at Barnes & Noble.
BORDERS : borders.com
Check details with your local store: Bohemia, Commack, Farmingdale, Riverhead, Stony Brook, Syosset or Westbury.
All Borders stores are participating in the Kids Reading Challenge. Each store determines to what extent they implement the program; at the Commack store, for instance, there's a kickoff party at 2 p.m. Saturday with a trivia contest, story time and a name-tag art project. The program is geared to ages 12 and younger and works like this: Pick up a 50 percent off coupon; on it are eight spaces for the names of eight books. Parents sign off that the child has completed the books, and then the child can use the coupon. "It's the honor system. They basically bring it in filled out," says Michael Buono, cafe supervisor at the Commack store. Store employees are encouraged to interact with children and recommend age-appropriate books. Program ends Aug. 31.
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