“The kids who participated last year had a great time eating ice cream at the swim party,” Leitch said.
“The first few years of elementary school are critical in a child’s reading education,” said Leitch. “But many students discontinue reading during the summer breaks, and then they lose some of their ability to read proficiently and retain the knowledge they access from reading. This program provides students with an incentive to continue reading throughout the summer and encourages them to continue practicing their reading and written communications skills.”
To participate, students must read eight books during their summer break. After completing the reading, students must list the books they have read, have a parent or guardian attest to their accomplishment, and return the list to Rep. Leitch’s district office. A Summer Reading Program brochure and participation return form can be obtained by calling the office at (309) 690-7373. The ice cream/ swim party will be on August 15th.
“Through books, students not only expand their knowledge in the topic they are reading about, but they also enhance their knowledge of the language and expand their vocabulary helping them to become more articulate,” said Leitch.