District 150, the Peoria Public Library, and “Look. It’s My Book” are teaming up to remind parents of the importance of kids reading through the summer. Research says children who do not read over the summer fall further behind academically. District 150 Superintendent Granita Lathan says that impacts the beginning of the school year.
“So from August the 18th, which is the first day of school next year, to about after the middle of September or that first quarter of school, we’re trying to just catch students up. So if students can continue to read throughout the summer, it truly enhances their learning and it just gives them a jumpstart ng?
for the new school year,” says Lathan.
Some tips to encourage reading over summer break include using books to break boredom, sharing books with neighbors and family, and visiting the library. The Peoria Public Library offers a Summer Reading Program that incentivizes participants to read three hours a week with various prizes.
“Look. It’s My Book” also announced it’s expanding its program to all District 150 students in kindergarten through fourth grades. The organization donates six books to each child throughout the school year.