When students don’t read during the summer months, they lose educational ground: research shows that students can lose up to three months of reading ability over the summer. This phenomenon – known as summer loss – can lower achievement potential and widen the achievement gap.
Fortunately, this summer reading loss is preventable. Research shows that children who read during the summer don’t suffer the same losses, and may even show some growth in their reading ability.
To ensure students and families have the support they need to make literacy a priority this summer, the Georgia Department of Education is working to get books in the hands of as many students as possible, through summer reading events, resources, and the donation of more than 100,000 books.
Statewide summer reading resources
Students can visit summerreading.gadoe.org to log the books they read this summer. We’ll keep track of books read and recognize winning students, schools, and districts.
Georgia’s public libraries also have summer reading programs and activities throughout the summer, and we encourage students to utilize this resource and sign up for a library card.Click here to find your local library.
For those who have access to a digital device, students also have access to more than 10,000 free e-books all summer, thanks to a partnership between myON and Get Georgia Reading. Visit getgeorgiareading.org/myon2016 for directions on how to access these books.
Book donations
Thanks to a partnership with Change 4 Georgia, Better World Books, and Scholastic, the GaDOE is donating 100,000+ books to Georgia students this summer. Of that total, 25,000 books will go to Georgia’s 21st Century Community Learning Centers, community centers that operate outside of school hours, including during the summer. The remainder will be distributed through the Georgia Food Bank Association and other organizations, as well as through summer reading events hosted by the GaDOE.
Summer reading events
The GaDOE is hosting summer reading events for students at several public libraries throughout the state this summer. Members of the public are encouraged to attend these events, which will feature summer reading activities and programming along with an opportunity to receive free books.
More info: http://www.gadoe.org/External-Affairs-and-Policy/communications/Pages/PressReleaseDetails.aspx?PressView=default&pid=437_
