LUFKIN, TX (KTRE) -
The first day of summer is hours away
and libraries are already helping give student an extra edge for next school
year.
"Reading is the heart of
everything we do in school, so reading during the summer is a great time for
kids to build confidence and fluency in their reading," said Chrissy Cassity,
K-5 Reading Specialist, LISD. East Texas
educators say reading should be for enjoyment as well as structure.
A break from a classroom setting gives
students time away from assignments and puts them in charge of their reading.
"It's a time to read just about
anything they want to read, they can pick up those books they don't always have
time to read in school," said Cassity.
Lufkin ISD Superintendent Roy Knight says too
much technology can be a roadblock to improving reading skills.
"The most frightening thing for
me is a child who goes home all summer and is parked in from of a computer
game, which is entertaining but it doesn't increase their vocabulary or level
of cognition at all," said Knight.
Summer reading programs give the
children the chance to escape the world of technology and discover a good book.
LISD officials believe good reading habits are
learned before a student ever enters a classroom.
That's why consistent reading at home
becomes a routine that will continue throughout life.
"For children to have that
exposure early on, they'll excel later," said Knight.
If they start now.
"They will definitely come back with more
confidence in place and ready with the skills they've learned for next year,"
said Cassity.
Tuesday through Saturday,
Kurth Memorial Library hosts their "Get a Clue at the Library" summer
program, with events like "story and crafts," "weird
science" and "dinosaur George."
The Nacogdoches Public Library's
summer reading program is every Tuesday at 10 a.m.
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