Summer time brings a much needed break to students. The break from books, homework and schedules leaves time for kids to hit the local pools or the lake, spend time with family and friends and allows time to recharge.


This time away from books and learning can also lead to the dreaded summer slide. The summer slide is when students lose academic development and achievement gains over the summer months. This is especially detrimental to students reading at below grade levels.


While nothing says vacation like tan lines and sandy toes, balance, like in most things in life, is key. A good book under the shade of a tree or from the comfort of a gently swaying hammock can also be a summer day well spent.


Rosetown Central High School English Language Arts teacher, Paula Berezowski shared some of her favourite summer reading tips.


“Definitely find a topic or author that you love and enjoy the summer sun while reading,” suggests Mrs. Berezowski, “Take a book or even an audio book along for car trips, especially longer car trips, as they can help make the travel time pass quicker too.”


Rosetown's, Adele Smith is a retired English Language Arts teacher, a tutor to many and an avid reader herself. Smith was quick to offer up a few suggestions to help engage readers of her own.


“Have parent and child read a book at the same time to create a family book club to discuss at intervals or once book is completed.” Smith recommended, adding, “Since one book often leads readers to others, select other books by the same author or in the same genre.”


Smith knows that reading can lead to learning and exploring. “For example, I read ‘The Colour of Tee’ and found a great patisserie that makes macrons and then learned how to make them myself,”she disclosed.

Other ideas proposed by Smith, are the idea of setting up a reward system-a wish list for children that celebrates reading achievements, and reading yourself. Children will follow parents leads.

Enjoy these fleeting summer days...perhaps with a book in hand.