Is it really the END of May already? This year has flown by, in many ways, and we have accomplished so much. I sincerely hope that you and your children can agree.
As we begin thinking about our summer plans, there is a piece of information that I would like every parent to consider. It is called the “faucet theory”. Researchers contend that when school stops in June, instruction stops, and that students typically loose 3 months a year. By 6th grade, some students will be 18 months behind their more advantaged peers! Researchers have also found that reading a minimum of 5 novels (for 6th graders) over the summer months can prevent this summer reading loss.
Let me try to infer what that means for our little kiddos. 5th graders? Probably at least 5 books like Shiloh, The Borrowers, The Indian in the Cupboard, and my personal favorite, Johnny Tremain. 3rd graders? Probably at least 5 – 10 books like the Sideways School stories, the Cam Jansen series, Flat Stanley adventures, and of course, the Magic Tree House collection. 1st graders? Just lots and lots of Frog and Toad and George and Martha.
Be sure that your child does not become a “victim of summer reading loss”!

Of course, there are lots of other things I could tell parents about reading ~~~~
• Let kids read a variety of text – yes, even comic books! Our focus this year has been on informational text, and the majority of the kids have loved it!
• Have them read a range of levels – some challenging, some easy. Challenging? builds vocab and concepts. Easy? fluency!
• Read to them, with expression, even if they say they can do it themselves. Remember, yours is the model that they will copy.
• It is so important for kids to discuss what they read. Think about – Talk about what they read.

I am hoping that next year, YBES will be placing a greater emphasis on vocabulary development. Kids need to know more words, better words, and more specific words. Of course, kids need to hear and use words orally before they can read or write them, so play word games this summer. Have kids use words like "optimistic" instead of “hoping” and "unremarkable" instead of “regular”. We can also help kids understand the shades of meanings words. Is brave really the same as heroic? There are so many good websites that can help us build a rich vocabulary in our students (and ourselves!).
I could go on and on… Kids, and reading, are two of my favorite subjects, and I have been doing this for a looong time! Please let me know if you have questions about your child’s reading skills or habits. I also love talking to parents!
Have a wonderful, enriched, and safe summer. We will see you in August!
Mrs. Barbara Wurster

P.S. Good luck fifth graders! We will miss you, but are so very proud of you! Don’t forget to come back and visit………..