There's some things you just can't put in the minds of those kids
We went to the library today - I know, I know, stop the presses. They had a bunch of posters up about the summer reading program. So, especially since we were the only people there, I asked about going ahead and signing up Gillian while we were there. And we did.
Now, I remember summer reading programs at the library consisting of getting a reading log, wherein you recorded the books that you read. Also, the books that you read were, at least in theory, books that you hadn't previously read. No re-reading the same book for the 50th time and counting it. People were recognised for how many books they read during the summer reading program.
I agree that quantity isn't always a great determiner of quality, and that there isn't necessarily a reason for making a distinction between people who read ten books versus twenty-five versus fifty-five.
When we did the summer reading program a few years ago, I wrote down books that we read to Gillian. Although there was nothing said in the program materials, I still only wrote down books that she was hearing for the first time.
Today, the librarian was explaining to her that the summer reading sheet is 'like a game board.'
"You start here and when you do each activity, you write the number down on the star. And when you get to the finish, you bring it in and we give you a certificate!"
There are fifteen stars that must be filled in to get from start to finish, for reference.
Then she turned to me. "There are lots of activities on here. Storytime, singing, finding the fairytales section in the library... they don't have to read fifteen books."
This was delivered in a 'isn't that great? they don't have to read FIFTEEN ENTIRE BOOKS' sort of voice, like reading fifteen books during an eight week summer reading program is just more than any child could bear.
The list of activities under 'Young Readers Program' includes twenty-six different activities. Fourteen of them - over half - either don't involve books or say 'read or listen to.' In other words, they don't require reading from a book. (And, yes, there is a separate list for 'Future Readers Program.') The kicker is the one that suggests they read billboards, signs, and advertisements. That's what ALL kids need, to be told to pay MORE attention to advertising.
Now, I remember summer reading programs at the library consisting of getting a reading log, wherein you recorded the books that you read. Also, the books that you read were, at least in theory, books that you hadn't previously read. No re-reading the same book for the 50th time and counting it. People were recognised for how many books they read during the summer reading program.
I agree that quantity isn't always a great determiner of quality, and that there isn't necessarily a reason for making a distinction between people who read ten books versus twenty-five versus fifty-five.
When we did the summer reading program a few years ago, I wrote down books that we read to Gillian. Although there was nothing said in the program materials, I still only wrote down books that she was hearing for the first time.
Today, the librarian was explaining to her that the summer reading sheet is 'like a game board.'
"You start here and when you do each activity, you write the number down on the star. And when you get to the finish, you bring it in and we give you a certificate!"
There are fifteen stars that must be filled in to get from start to finish, for reference.
Then she turned to me. "There are lots of activities on here. Storytime, singing, finding the fairytales section in the library... they don't have to read fifteen books."
This was delivered in a 'isn't that great? they don't have to read FIFTEEN ENTIRE BOOKS' sort of voice, like reading fifteen books during an eight week summer reading program is just more than any child could bear.
The list of activities under 'Young Readers Program' includes twenty-six different activities. Fourteen of them - over half - either don't involve books or say 'read or listen to.' In other words, they don't require reading from a book. (And, yes, there is a separate list for 'Future Readers Program.') The kicker is the one that suggests they read billboards, signs, and advertisements. That's what ALL kids need, to be told to pay MORE attention to advertising.