Summer Reading by Mail
Submitted by Debbie Tofte, Beavercreek Elementary School, Beavercreek, OR

For the kids who need the most reading help but I worry will get the least, I prepare 10 envelopes to mail inexpensive books to them to read. Each envelope includes a book and a postage paid postcard addressed to me. Each postcard has a different kind of question on it, such as "What did this story make you think of" to encourage them to think about their reading and respond. I scour yard sales and the Goodwill to find appropriate inexpensive books in good shape and media mail is pretty inexpensive for a paperback. It's been very successful and fun for both the students and myself.

Book List Ideas
Submitted by Christy Hild, St. Therese Elementary School, Kansas City, MO

The summer is packed with many events. Parents try very hard to provide appropriate experiences for their children. As a teacher and parent I am always questioning if I am meeting the childrens' needs. I know what reading levels that all of my students are at when they leave for the summer, so I complete a leveled search according to the interests of each child in my classroom. Scholastic's Book Leveler program creates a list of titles that I print. I give this list of  reading materials that is at the child's level which makes parents feel good and at the same time keeps the child happy because the reading is of interest to them. This empowers parents because there are millions of books! Who knows how to pick the right books for children? Teachers with the help of Scholastic.com. That's who!

Welcome Back Book Club Lunch Parties
Submitted by Renee Parker, Selinsgrove School, Selinsgrove, PA

Each year, my school has a "move up" day, so I get to meet the students that will be in my classroom during the upcoming year.  On this day, I get to introduce myself, give students a tour of the classroom and talk about what to expect in third grade. I also give students a list of 10 GREAT books to read to get ready for third grade.  I choose books that are available at the library.  I also have several copies of the titles available so that students and parents may sign them out for the summer, and I choose a variety of picture books and chapter books.  I explain to students and families in a letter that they may read the books independently or with a family member.  I also post the letter and recommended reading list on my school web page in case a student loses his list.  During the first week of school, students need to return the list to me with a parent signature beside any book that they have read.  Then, over a period of 10 weeks, students join me for lunch and we talk about the recommended books.  We talk about a new book each week.  For example, in week one, I may invite any students who read The Teacher from the Black Lagoon to join me for lunch.  Then, the next week, I will choose another book from the list, and any student who read that title will join me for a lunchtime book club.  This continues for 10 weeks.  Some students will read all 10 books, and others will only read one or two; however, it encourages summer reading and also promotes family time during the busy summer months.   

Library Link
Submitted by Katie Ensell, Pointview Elementary School, Westerville, OH

Personal Letters
Submitted by Jayne Cobern, Marumsco Hills Elementary School, Woodbridge, VA

For my kindergarten students summer reading can be difficult.  Most of them are beginning readers so finding texts that are accessible to them is difficult.  To help motivate them to read, I ask each student to bring in several self-addressed, stamped envelopes.  During the summer I send them each several short letters using controlled vocabulary and including a sticker or other small treat.  Because I know my students, I can tailor these letters to their reading level.  Then, at the end of the summer I ask them to bring their completed reading list (from the library or school form) and reward them with praise, a hug and a small treat.  The students look forward to the notes and the hug!