As summer break approaches, the Children’s Home Network in Tampa, Florida, is actively working to combat the ‘summer slide’—a phenomenon where students lose reading skills during the break. This initiative comes in light of a recent study by the Education Scorecard, which placed Florida last among 35 states in reading proficiency for students in grades three through eight.

Addressing Reading Challenges Locally

The Children’s Home Network, through its Supporting and Empowering Educational and Developmental Services (SEEDS) Program, is at the forefront of this effort. The program currently aids around 425 children, ranging from ages three to fifth grade, in improving their reading levels. However, the demand for these services is high, with nearly 300 children on the waiting list.

Tosha Johnson, the SEEDS program director, highlighted the challenges faced by many children entering the program. ‘A lot of our kiddos are coming in with two to three grade levels behind,’ she noted, emphasizing the urgent need for effective literacy interventions.

Empowering Parents to Reinforce Literacy

While families wait for a spot in the program, the SEEDS staff provides workshops and resources to help parents incorporate reading into daily activities. Suggestions include turning on closed captioning during television time and involving children in writing grocery lists or reading recipes, which also integrates math skills.

Vera Gilmore, a local mother and special education teacher, shared her approach to preventing the summer slide. Her family engages in a book club, selecting entry-level chapter books that are accessible for her children aged seven to fifteen. This practice not only maintains reading skills but also fosters family discussions.

By focusing on practical, everyday literacy activities, the Children’s Home Network aims to support families in keeping their children’s reading skills sharp over the summer months.

Original reporting: Tampa Bay Florida News (HLL/CB) — read the source article.