May 24, 2007 – The 2007 Summer Reading Adventure is now available at all public schools. The colorful Summer Reading Adventure (SRA) booklet is available in both English and Spanish and can be accessed on the Districts Web site: www.sttj.k12.vi.
The Reading Adventure encourages students to read as many books as they would like this summer and for at least 30 minutes daily, said Cedelle Niles, program coordinator. The 2007 Summer Reading Adventure assignments and projects will be due on Friday August 31. All students are required to submit their summer reading assignments and/or related projects on this date. Secondary students who will be taking English during the second semester are also to submit their assignments/projects to the English Department and will be asked to sign indicating that they have indeed turned in the assignment.
An annual activity for the territorys schools, the program encourages students to read for enjoyment during the summer months in preparation for the upcoming school term. Niles, who also serves as the districts language arts coordinator, stated that research indicates that the more children read, the better their skills in comprehension, vocabulary and fluency; thus enabling them to perform better in school and on standardized tests. The Summer Reading Adventure Committee has worked diligently to compile the list of exciting novels and accompanying activities, she said.
The Summer Reading Adventure is designed to encourage reading for pleasure during the summer months. It will also provide every student in grades K-12 the opportunity to discuss novels they have all read. Such dialogue and expression of critical thinking will help to improve literacy among our students, said Niles.
Parents/guardians and students may obtain a copy from the literacy coach or English department chairperson at the students respective school.
For more information, contact Cedelle Niles at 775-2250, ext. 8527.
Parents are encouraged to:
1. Read to or with your child.
2. Allow your child to read to you.
3. Use creative and animated voices to bring the story to life.
4. Pause and ask questions to determine if your child comprehends what was read.
5, Allow your child to restate the events in his/her own words.
6. Start/expand your home library to include books, magazines, and newspapers.
7. Talk about books youve read, and why you enjoyed them.
8. Encourage your child to write stories, poems, journals, etc. and make them a part of your childs writing portfolio.
9. Challenge your child to relate what was read to real life.
10. Have fun reading. Families that read together, succeed together!