June 2020

Dear WES Families,

Reading has the power to stimulate ones imagination, build character, and increase our abilities and skills. Reading can keep us happy, interested, reduce stress, and help build our working memory. Experts in the field of literacy have long encouraged students to read during the summer months 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.

The research is clear that children who don’t read during the summer can lose up to three months of reading progress. That is why Watervliet Elementary School teachers strongly encourage your child to read for at least 20 minutes per day. The books students are reading should be at their appropriate reading level. If you are uncertain about your child’s reading level, please reach out to his/her teacher for assistance.

The Watervliet Public Library is continuing to host online events and sharing recommendations and reading activities. Check out their curbside hours for borrowing at http://www.watervlietpubliclibrary.org/

Visit the New York State Library’s website for 10 Easy Ways to get Children to Read the Summer.  This summer, Imagine Your Story! is the theme for the New York State Library’s Summer Reading Program. Visit http://www.summerreadingnys.org/ for more information.

In September, students will be asked to share their summer reading experience with their teacher and 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” that we try to nurture throughout the school year. Thank you for your continued support in the education of your child!

Happy summer and happy reading!