The Reading Connection
Quarterly Newsletter - Title I Reading Specialists
May 2021
Welcome!
All resources in this newsletter have been compiled and created by the Penn-Harris-Madison Title I Reading Specialists. Our goal is to provide our communities with helpful resources, tips, and guidance to improve the overall literacy development of our children.
We hope you enjoy this resource and find it helpful as you plan to encourage a love of reading with your child(ren) this summer and for years to come!
Scholastic Article: 5 Tips for Creating a Summer Reading Environment for Kids
1. Capture the spirit of summer.
This time of year is all about unstructured fun, and reading should evoke that same spirit of free time and pleasure. “Create a reading space that matches that carefree mood,” says Baicker. “That might be a hammock in the yard, a beanbag chair in a corner, or a rocking chair by a window.”
2. Make it comfortable.
When it comes to reading, comfort is key. Pay special attention to good lighting when creating a reading environment and make the space as cozy as possible, says Baicker. Wall art and family photographs are also a nice touch, and reading forts and tents are a sure-fire way to get younger readers into the spirit of summer reading.
3. Eliminate distractions.
Distractions are the bane of readers, both young and old. And summer is full of them!
“Try to create their reading nook away from the family TV and other competing interests,” says Baicker. “Avoid high-traffic, noisy areas. It’s much easier for a child to stay focused on a book when they have peace and quiet.”
4. Make books accessible.
Keep high-interest books within easy reach of your child’s reading area. Don’t be afraid to mix up the types of reading materials.
Whether it’s one or two magazines devoted to your child’s current obsession or the first few books in their new favorite series or graphic novel collection, offering a little variety goes a long way when it comes to meeting your child’s reading needs and interests.
5. Refresh books periodically.
Throughout the summer, Baicker suggests refreshing your child’s book nook with new selections matching their interests. This way, they’ll remain engaged and look forward to reading and learning something new about the topics they love.
You can even make adding books extra special by designating a specific day during the week to introduce new reading materials, or having a family pizza night to celebrate a new book release!
Summer Programs for Families
Mishawaka-Penn-Harris Public Library
Library Events: https://www.mphpl.org/department/childrens
The goal of summer reading is to help prevent 'summer slide' and remind children that reading is fun! By signing your pre-reader up for the summer reading program, you can establish a good reading habit for your child for many years to come. Caregivers or older siblings are encouraged to read with the littlest summer readers to earn incentives. For those reading independently, the summer reading program encourages a child to continue with their reading throughout the summer months. Studies have found that a child who continues to read during summer break is better equipped for learning the following school year. The summer reading program encourages children to read based on their interests - no tests or book reports!
In addition to the reading portion of the program, summer reading provides programming with an emphasis on reaching elementary aged children. Programming is often based on the yearly summer reading theme. Information about the Summer Reading program and related events is typically available every year in May.
Tails & Tales: MPHPL Summer Reading Challenge 2021
Join us for our new Summer Reading Challenge for all ages where you, the reader, will decide your own reading goal for the summer. Forms will soon be available at our Service Desks or on our website.
Barnes & Nobel Summer Reading Program
Participation is a fun and easy way for kids to earn free books. They simply read a designated number of books – library books, books borrowed from friends or books bought at Barnes & Noble – write about their favorite part in our Reading Journal, and bring a completed Reading Journal to a Barnes & Noble bookstore. Children then choose their free book from the books listed on the Reading Journal and collect their free book from a store near them.
This year, Barnes & Noble has expanded the program to include teens and adults. Every Barnes & Noble store in the country has been refreshed with brand new summer signage and displays, designed to highlight the must-read books of the season, with many available at incredible discounts. The goal is to make sure that Barnes & Noble is the ultimate destination for everyone in the family to find the perfect summer read at the best possible price.
Kids A-Z / RAZ-Kids
Sight Word Review
Fry’s First 100 (K-1st)
Fry’s Second 100 (2nd)
Fry’s Third 100 (3rd)
Fry’s Fourth 100 (4th)
Fry’s Fifth 100 (5th)
Heggerty - Phonemic Awareness Practice
Learning A-Z: Summer Toolkit
Check out this link to access online resources for students to read independently at home. Dedicating time to read over the summer will help students prevent learning loss and prepare for the upcoming school year. Summertime provides a wonderful opportunity to get students excited about reading when they can select stories of interest at their current reading level.
Summer Bridge Book & Scholastic Weekly Reader Summer Express Reminder
Mrs. Brandi Heeter
Meadow's Edge Elementary School
Email: bheeter@phm.k12.in.us
Website: https://meadowsedge.phmschools.org/
Phone: 574-255-9347
Miss Franca Peluso
Elm Road Elementary School
Email: fpeluso@phm.k12.in.us
Website: https://elmroad.phmschools.org/
Phone: (574) 259-3743
Twitter: @ElmRoadEagles
Mrs. Shelly Treely
Moran Elementary School
Website: https://moran.phmschools.org/
Phone: 574-674-8504
Mrs. Hollie Truckowski
Elsie Rogers Elementary School
Email: htruckowski@phm.k12.in.us
Website: https://elsierogers.phmschools.org/
Phone: (574) 259-5231
Walt Disney Reading Specialists
Walt Disney Elementary
Title I Reading SpecialistsWebsite: https://waltdisney.phmschools.org/
Phone: 574-259-2486