It is extremely important for all students to read over the summer! Why? Experts in the field of literacy have long encouraged students to read during the summer as it enhances the literacy skills developed throughout the school year. Reading for enjoyment is a practice that helps children increase their vocabulary, fluency, and comprehension.

Watervliet Elementary School students can start strong in September with summer reading. During the summer recess, all students should read at least 20 minutes per day. The books students are reading should be at their appropriate reading level. Our goal is to keep students reading over the summer and support a love of reading. A calendar that lists many different activities to help support literacy this summer was sent home with students before the end of school in June. Parents are encouraged to hang it on the fridge and color in each day as reading is completed.

The New York State Library system also offers several ideas and engaging activities for children and parents to Get Children to Read this Summer. View and download 10 Easy Ways to Get Children to Read this Summer

The Watervliet Public Library will host additional summer reading programs, and is a great place to borrow new books to read, listen to a story, and get recommendations for reading activities. Visit the Watervliet Public Library website

Upon returning to school in September, teachers will ask students to share their summer reading experience with their classmates. The format of the in-class discussion will vary from teacher to teacher.

We hope that you enjoy summer reading as a family while promoting creativity, engagement and fun with books! It is our hope that students will be able to set aside time each day to help establish a “reading habit” which we at WES try to nurture during the school year. Thank you for your continued support in the education of your child!

Happy Summer and Happy Reading!

Visit www.summerreadingnys.org for more information