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Language Magazine is a monthly print and online publication that provides cutting-edge information for language learners, educators, and professionals around the world.

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California Bill Would Mandate Science of Reading

A newly introduced California Assembly bill would require the state’s teachers to be trained and reading to be taught only according to the principles...

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HomenewsEducationHelp Your Students Slide Up, Not Down, Over the Summer

Help Your Students Slide Up, Not Down, Over the Summer

During the summer months, young children lose literacy gains made during the school year, a phenomenon known as “summer slide.” The most important thing teachers can do to reverse this trend is to help families adopt family literacy routines and promote opportunities for families to talk, read, and write together throughout the school year. Some suggestions include:Get families interested in literacy. Share samples of children’s work and emerging literacy skills. Inform families about topics their children enjoy talking, reading, and writing about.
Promote at-home literacy. Send your students home with ideas such as “Dear Family, At school we are learning about animals. Can we talk/read/write about my favorite animal?”
Host a literacy event. Set up stations that engage families and children in a topic of interest. The topic of “Pets” might include books about pets, a small visiting pet to observe, materials for drawing and writing about a favorite pet, and brochures from a local pet store.
Connect families to literacy resources. Visit the local library for information about available programs and services. Encourage families to obtain library cards and suggest good books.
Start a classroom lending library. Solicit book donations and invite families to check out their children’s favorite books. Provide suggestions on interacting with children during the reading.
Cindy Hoisington, Early Literacy Specialist, Education Development Center (EDC) www.edc.org.

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