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The summer reading program is a free program that encourages children to read, or be read to, throghout the summer. Summer reading programs are effective at enhancing literacy and promoting a love of reading. Research has shown that children who read during the summer are less likely to lose the achievement gains made during the previous school year, often known as “summer slide”. What has been found is that children, especially with low socio-economic status, are the ones at greatest risk because of lack of access to books (Krashen & Shen, 2010). Though there are many other factors that attribute to a child’s ability to read, access and motivation are the greatest factor amongst families because once they are out of school, they are limited in what is available. Having access to these materials make it easier for families to read especially because the library provides these resources at no cost and provides ways to encourage reading. The Colorado Department of Education found organizations, like the library, that encourage kids to read and make reading an enjoyable experience, found children read more often and have gained better reading comprehension, vocabulary, and spelling (n.d.). What librarians do to encourage reading is create programs that are literacy based and provide incentives for joining. Libraries provide programs, performances, and incentives to ensure children stay motivated and participate in reading. Summer reading programs are an effective resource in enhancing literacy amongst children.
What is the challenge?
The summer reading program will take place from June 1st- July 29th. The theme for this years summer reading program is "Read Beyond the Beaten Path". The overall decor and themes that will be used for the program will be camping, nature, and wilderness. The reading goal for this year is to read 1 million minutes as a community.
Who Can Participate?
The summer reading program is open to all ages. For the purposes of this blog the focus will soley be on the Children's Challenge which is designed for ages birth to 12 years.
How do children and families participate in
the summer reading program?
For the summer reading program the library will be using Beanstack to track participation, sign ups, and manage raffles. Patrons will be able to create an account on Beanstack for their families to log reading, write book reviews, and manage their tickets for raffles. By completing a certain amount of hours read, writing review, or by participating in activities families will be able to earn "badges" that signify they have met a goal.
Completion Guidelines
Children must complete 8 logging badges for a total reading goal of 16 hours (2 hours per week) to complete the program. Children will be able to earn additional badges by participating in programs and by writing reviews.
Weekly Incentives
In order to encourage motivation for children to keep reading, participants will be able to earn a weekly incentive for every 2 hours read up to the end of the summer reading program. These incentives will be a mix of age appropriate giveaways including fidget pops, bubble wands, stickers, playdoh, etc.
Raffle Prizes
Partipants in the summer reading program will be able to earn a virtual raffle ticket for each completed badge. All earn virtual raffle tickets can be entered into the prize drawings. Prizes will include prizes that match the theme including moutain bikes and telescopes. The prizes will also be other prizes of interest for children including art supplies, book sets, and tablets. Children will be able to enter raffle tickets into the prizes until July 29th 11:59pm. Raffle tickets can be earned by logging every two hours, completing book reviews, and by participating in virtual and in person activities.
In Person Activities Examples
Attend a storytime or program
Earn a raffle ticket as you enjoy listening to stories, songs, and rhymes.
Attend a summer reading program performance
Earn a raffle ticket and enjoy a free magic, animal, or music show!
Check out materials
Each time you check out 10 materials or more, earn a raffle ticket.
Find the hidden Sasquatch.
This year Bigfoot is hiding somewhere in the library. Each week search for them and let the librarian know where you saw them for an extra ticket
*In person activities will receive a code to enter on Beanstack to earn the virtual raffle ticket.
Virtual Activity Examples
Use the library online resources
Earn a ticket by visiting any of the digital resources such as ABCmouse, Tutor.com, and many more
Watch a recorded storytime
Earn tickets by visiting the library Youtube page and view a recorded storytime
Go on a virtual tour to the national parks
Earn a ticket by visiting the national park website and explore nature virtually!
Play outside for 1 hour
Earn a ticket for playing outside in the park, your backyard, or at school
*Virtual tickets are earned as children log the activity on Beanstack.
Summer Reading Program Performances
The Arty Loon Show
Friday, June 9 at 2:00pm
Friday, June 9 at 2:00pm
Its time for a magic show at the library! Join Arty the magician in this fast paced high energy magic show. With his masterful storytelling, he will leave audiences laughing and in awe.Everyone will enjoy participating and learning from the various tricks he will be performing.
Its time for a magic show at the library! Join Arty the magician in this fast paced high energy magic show. With his masterful storytelling, he will leave audiences laughing and in awe.Everyone will enjoy participating and learning from the various tricks he will be performing.
Cost: $275
Show Duration: 45 minutes
Source: The Arty Loon Show
Chazz
Friday, June 16 at 2:00pm
Friday, June 16 at 2:00pm
Experience the sounds of international percussion, drumming, rhythm with Chazz. This program involves lots of audience participation as we learn about different sounds, cultures, and stories behind the music. This is a great time for the whole family to dance and have fun together with the community.
Cost: Estimated $500
Show Duration: 45 minutes
Source: Chazz Ross
David Cousin
Photo by David Cousins on Jugglerdavidcousins
Friday, June 23 at 2:00pm
Friday, June 23 at 2:00pm
Join David Cousins and his amazing juggling skills. The audience will be left amazed at his impressive feats as he does tricks implementing technology and storytelling.
Join David Cousins and his amazing juggling skills. The audience will be left amazed at his impressive feats as he does tricks implementing technology and storytelling.
Cost: $350
Cost: $350
Show Duration: 45 minutes
Show Duration: 45 minutes
Source: Juggler David Cousins
Wild Wonders
Friday, June 30 at 2:00pm
Friday, June 30 at 2:00pm
Get up close and personal with animals from all around the world. This educational program will encourage kids to learn more about wildlife, science, and conservation. Explore the world through the eyes of different animals from the forest to the desert.
Cost: $450
Show Duration: 45 minutes
Source: Wild Wonders
Twinkle Time
Friday, July 7 at 2:00pm
Friday, July 7 at 2:00pm
Get ready to rock, dance, and sing with Twinkle Time. With positive lyrics and high energy kids will want to dance and sing along with Twinkle. Songs will be song in both English and Spanish to teach children how to be the best they can be in both languages.
Get ready to rock, dance, and sing with Twinkle Time. With positive lyrics and high energy kids will want to dance and sing along with Twinkle. Songs will be song in both English and Spanish to teach children how to be the best they can be in both languages.
Cost: Estimated $700
Show Duration: 45 minutes
Source: Twinkle Time and Friends
The Buster Balloon Show
Friday, July 14 at 2:00pm
Friday, July 14 at 2:00pm
Meet Buster Balloon and his amazing talent to create amazing balloon sculptures and creatures. Buster will use the balloons to do magic, perform jokes, and tell stories the whole family will enjoy. Some audience members will leave home with a wacky balloon!
Cost: Estimated $500
Show Duration: 45 minutes
Source: Buster Balloon
Illusions By Allen
Friday, July 21 at 2:00pm
Friday, July 21 at 2:00pm
Be prepared to be amazed by Allen the Magician. With his tricks and illusions, Allen will leave the audience in shock as they try and figure out how he did something so amazing. With the help of his animal friends, children will learn how to perform their own magic and participate in the magic themselves.
Be prepared to be amazed by Allen the Magician. With his tricks and illusions, Allen will leave the audience in shock as they try and figure out how he did something so amazing. With the help of his animal friends, children will learn how to perform their own magic and participate in the magic themselves.
Cost: $390
Show Duration: 45 minutes
Source: Illusions By Allen
Mad Science
Friday, July 28 at 2:00pm
Friday, July 28 at 2:00pm
Learn about STEM in a fun and exciting way. Join Mad Science and their live experiments and demonstrations. Learn about the science of bubbles and the wonders of electricity. The program is a great way to discover the wonder of science and spark imagination.
Cost: $535
Show Duration: 45 minutes
Source: Mad Science
References
Allen Oshiro. (2012, April 19). L.A. Library Children's Program[Video]. YouTube. https://youtu.be/1VbSVVcaNKQ
ARTY LOON. (2018, December 27). "SOCAL'S Best Kid's Magician!" (562)706-0180 ww.artyloonshow.com [Video]. YouTube. https://youtu.be/1VbSVVcaNKQ
Buster Balloon. (2020, August 11). 60 SECOND DOCS: Buster Balloon [Video]. YouTube. https://youtu.be/oEMKJOVLpPc
CHAZZ Clarence Ross. (2023, March 14). Graham Library 02/08/23 [Video]. YouTube. https://youtu.be/UXjsIXKJLbE
Krashen, S. & Shin, F. (2004) Summer Reading and the Potential Contribution of the Public Library in Improving Reading for Children of Poverty, Public Library Quarterly, 23:3-4, 99-109, DOI: 10.1300/J118v23n03_13
MadScienceGroup. (2014, July 2). "Special Events | Shows | Mad Science [Video]. YouTube. https://youtu.be/Q3wBVMipX5Q
Marie. (2015, June 3). Twinkle Time| Music Videos For Kids| Kids Show| Music for Kids of All Ages | Childrens Series [Video]. YouTube. https://youtu.be/gDVjRWhN28A
Twinkle Time. (2013, December 13). Twinkle Time| Music Videos For Kids| Kids Show| Music for Kids of All Ages | Childrens Series [Video]. YouTube. https://youtu.be/GeBVRQ5BEDM
Summer Slide and the importance of reading over the summer. (n.d.). Retrieved April 19, 2023, from https://www.cde.state.co.us/cdelib/summerslide
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