From the time they are in our bellies, we are told that reading is one of the most important things we can do with our children. In the early years, it provides incredible bonding time, helps with vocabulary development, and stimulates brain development. As they get older, it makes our children more confident and builds a foundation for learning, emotional development, and future success.
I have loved to read from a young age, and my love of reading has now rubbed off on my kids. Books go everywhere with us. It means our bags are always heavy, but we are also always learning. But as they get older, I know there may come a day when they need more help than I can give them.
With summer coming up, we can all breathe a collective sigh of relief at the promise of slower days, less schedule, no homework, and the promise of sunshine and outside time. That being said, we also need to be cognizant of the Summer Slide.
If you aren’t familiar, the Summer Slide is a phenomenon in which kids lose significant knowledge in reading and math over the summer, which then leads to skill loss during the school year. There are ways to prevent this slide, though.
Did you know that the New Mexico Public Education Department provides a Free Summer Reading Program?
The program is a state-funded summer reading program that provides reading interventions for all students in New Mexico entering kindergarten through exiting eighth grade.
In the program, students are broken into groups of four, each led by a trained literacy instructor. The program is designed to enrich skills such as phonemic awareness, phonics, vocabulary, fluency, comprehension, and writing. The goal of the program is to enhance literacy, track reading progress, and boost confidence and skills in literacy.
The Free Summer Reading Program lasts 4-6 weeks, depending on the location you choose to attend. It is scheduled to last 4 hours per day, for 4 days each week.
What are the benefits of the program?
Through targeted support and small group instruction, students will strengthen their reading skills. The instructors use evidence-based strategies to tailor guidance so that individual needs can be met. Your child will learn in a way that is specific to them. The program is intensive, but is proven to improve academic performance and foster a lifelong love of reading.
Is my child eligible?
Every child in the state of New Mexico is eligible! Your child is eligible if they are entering kindergarten all the way until they finish eighth grade. If they are in need of a confidence boost, this is a great opportunity! Even better, the program is totally free!
Schedules for each participating location vary, so make sure to find a location and schedule that works best for you!
Locations are encouraged to provide breakfast, lunch, and/or snacks during the Summer Reading Program. Some locations may even opt to provide transportation to students living in their home district.
How can I register?
You can sign up online today! If you have any questions or need assistance, please call (833) 550-4300 or email [email protected].
Find a location near you, and get your kids signed up today! Give them the confidence and tools they need to succeed next school year and beyond!
