June means Fun in the Summer Sun!

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     The long lazy days of summer are soon upon us as well as that much looked forward to break from school. Unfortunately, the summer break can also bring about the summer slide; the tendency for students to lose some of the achievement gains made during the previous school year. Reading and being read to over summer can help alleviate this slide backwards and might even bring about some additional gains so it is imperative to make reading a daily activity. Because most states are now holding children back in the third grade if they do not score proficient in reading, they are being tested upon entering kindergarten. Children are being labeled before they even have a chance to sit in a classroom. Being read aloud to every day (or reading on their own) is the best way to increase reading success. Include visits to your local library to peruse books and to partake of the many activities and story times they offer.

“A library is a good place to go when you feel unhappy, for there, in a book, you may find encouragement and comfort.”
E. B. White

     Not only do we advocate reading and being read to but we also encourage a great deal of outdoor time. Richard Louv, in his book Last Child in the Woods, coined the term “Nature Deficit Disorder” in which he believes that many behavioral problems are a result of children spending less time outdoors. Whether you agree with his views or not, research shows that children in the United States spend an average of 44 hours a week with electronic media and obesity continues to be a problem.

     So allow time for free play outdoors as well as time for unrestricted reading. Encourage children to work in the yard or garden, play in natural playgrounds that fuel the imagination or take a walk in a park or on trails to discover the wonders of nature. Remember, summer is a great time for books and hands-on learning opportunities. Take excursions and outings that encourage creativity and problem solving, skills which in turn build self-confidence and self-esteem.

Special Days in June

6th: D-Day, 1944 - Use this day to help older children research and learn about World War II. National Geographic and DK Eyewitness both offer some excellent history books, as well as Usborne Books & More.

9th: Author/Illustrator Molly Idle’s Birthday - Idle’s whimsical illustrations truly make her books special. Some titles to consider are Tea Rex, Sea Rex, Camp Rex, Santa Rex and Flora and the Flamingo. Two marvelous books illustrated by Idle are Rodeo Red by Maripat Perkins and Zombelina by Kristyn Crow.

10th: Author Maurice Sendak’s Birthday - Honor the American illustrator and writer by sharing one of his many books with your child, several of which are Caldecott Award winners. A time-honored favorite is always Where the Wild Things Are, which was also adapted to film, and the Nutshell Library collection.

11th: Author E. B. White’s Birthday - Great time to sit outside and share the classic Charlotte’s Web with your child. Voted top children’s novel in 2012. Also consider his other classics Stuart Little and The Trumpet of the Swan.

18th: Author Chris Van Allsburg’s Birthday - The author and illustrator won Caldecott medals for U.S. picture book illustration for both Jumanji and The Polar Express. Share one of his books with your child.

25th: Author Eric Carle’s Birthday - Very young children still delight in Carle’s classic The Very Hungry Caterpillar. Choose one of his bright and colorful books to share with your young child. We are particularly fond of Today is Monday. With older children, discuss Carle’s art and technique and let them try their hand at creating their own unique form.

Third Sunday: Father's Day - Don’t forget to honor the dad’s in your life, perhaps with a book. For some reason, boys are increasingly viewing reading as something for girls and the best way to combat this attitude is for them to see dad or grandpa read or better yet have dad or grandpa read a favorite book to them.

“I don’t remember my father reading to me, but I remember him telling me bedtime stories.
I got to pick what was in them, then he’d make them up.”
Caroline Kennedy

Happy reading!

-Kate @ BTBL

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Author

We are three generations that seek a way to get back to basics. It’s not that we eschew technology, but sometimes simpler is better, especially in raising our children. Mom was a reading teacher, Amanda is an early childhood educator and Kate a children’s literature specialist and former school librarian along with the latest editions, a daughter for Kate (now 3) and a son for Amanda (now 1.) We advocate reading aloud, the simple toys that use imagination and encourage creativity and learning in the kitchen, which can be a fun mess but also teaches life skills. Join us in raising healthy, happy, inquisitive and intelligent children.