Summer Reading: The only summer slide should be into the swimming pool!

posted on May 17, 2017 by Eve Panzer

The days are getting longer and the temperature is rising as we approach the summer season. We all know that during the summer break students’ academic skills can atrophy.

By keeping-up with reading, this summer slide can be easily prevented. We just need to make sure that children read during the summer months!

This is easier said than done and it is often a daunting task for parents. As teachers and librarians, I feel that it is it is our obligation to share with parents some tools and guidelines to help them be successful in having their children to read during the summer.

In the article How to Make Summer Reading Effective published by the National Summer Learning Association there is a wealth of information, some of which I will share with you in this blog post.

There are four components necessary to make summer reading pay off:

  1. Access to a wide variety of books.
  2. Books that are on the reading level of the child.
  3. Books that are of interest to the child.
  4. Children should be able to comprehend what they have read.

For most parents, access is the easiest component – there are local libraries and thrift stores that carry books are reasonable prices. But access to books alone for children who are not yet fluent readers will not help children maintain their reading skills during the summer. The other components – reading level, interest and comprehension – are essential too. And this is where we can help parents be successful.

To assess whether a book is on the child’s reading level, parents can use an easy measure called the five-finger rule:

  • Parents can have their child read the first page (or first 100 words) of a book. Every time they reach a word they do not understand, they should raise a finger.
  • If they raise 5 fingers after reading the first 100 words, the book is probably above their reading level.

That said, it is almost of more importance that the book be of interest to the child. I am all for having a child read on their level so that they do not get frustrated or slip back in reading levels. However, if the book is of no interest to the child, the book will not get read.

If there is a book of interest to the child that is a bit above – or below – the child’s reading level, I think they should have the opportunity to read it (or try to read it). But generally, the child should be given as many books that are matching their reading level as possible.

Perhaps the most important element is that children comprehend what they read. Most children below the fifth or sixth grade cannot assess their own reading comprehension. But parents can easily help their children do this.

The following are simple ways for parents to accomplish this:

  • Read the book with their child.
  • Have their child summarize the book.
  • Ask their child questions about the book.
  • Let their children ask questions about the book.
  • Have their child reread parts of the book which are appear challenging and discuss it with their child.

Finding good books may be another challenge for parents. So this month, instead of posting a review, I will provide some resources for quality books for you to share with your parents. See the blog post on summer reading resources.

This will be my last blog post for the school year. I will return in August. I will continue to offer my Barefoot Librarian services to you to find just the right variety of books. Have a great summer and happy reading!

Raves & Praise from authors and educators about Eve Panzer, the Barefoot Librarian.

Eve Panzer has displayed her wonderful books at several of our Early Childhood events. Our teachers are always excited to see the age appropriate materials she provides.

-Jacquie Porter, Early Childhood Director, Austin ISD

A favorite resource we use everyday in our preschool is a beautiful book! We love to share the joy and excitement of engaging stories to help the children make deep connections to their exploration and learning. The Barefoot Librarian offers THE best selection of books in a full range of topics and targeted age groups to appeal to children of all ages.

-Community School Director, Four Seasons

Eve, the Barefoot Librarian has done a wonderful job at hand-selecting books for my three children, ages 3.5, 4.5 and 7. She considered their interests and reading levels in her selection of 23 titles. Some are bi-lingual, which is ideal since they are learning Spanish and English at the same time. All of the books are beautiful and some come with audio CDs, which they love listening to while having the book on their lap as we commute to school. What a wonderful way to get new books!

-Sharon M., Parent

Faced with the wealth of incredible books available for children, many educators can feel overwhelmed when it comes to choosing titles for the classroom. If you’re a teacher who doesn’t want to resort to the dartboard method, the Barefoot Librarian is your new best friend!

-Audrey Linter, Blogger, Little Pickle Press

“Eve Panzer and her site The Barefoot Librarian is every author’s friend. Her thorough reviews inform readers just how and why a book makes the perfect fit. Reviews are important so people understand whether a potential read will be successful and with reviews like The Barefoot Librarian help make those selections a success!”

-Carole P. Roman, award-winning author

“I was the lucky recipient of a review from Eve Panzer for my debut picture book, SUMO JOE. Not only was her review timely, but she also got to the core of the book and really understood what it was all about. Her blog posts not only look beautiful but are well written and help readers find books for their needs. I highly recommend Eve’s book review services!”

-Mia Wejen – Co-founder of the MultiCultural Children’s Book Day and author of children’s books, including Sumo Joe and the Barefoot Books title Food for the Future, which has received rave reviews from the School Library Journal and Kirkus Reviews.

“Eve, the Barefoot Librarian provided me with an excellent service. Being a first-time author, it is a challenge to get your foot in the door and I was really pleased with the process. Not only was it a well thought out and wonderful review, but Eve is lovely and very prompt with her communication. Thank you for a job well done.”

-Sarah Cullen, Author of Nellie the Narwhal and Director Majestic Whale Encounters

Eve Panzer wrote a wonderful review for my debut middle grade novel. I was thrilled at how detailed and thorough the review was. In fact, it has helped me so much as I have sent this review to schools and educators so they can get a good idea of what my book is about. I am so grateful to Eve for her deep insight and analysis of my book. I highly recommend her services to any author looking to get a book review.

-Shirin Shamsi, author of Laila and the Sands of Time and the Barefoot Books title Zahra’s Blessing: A Ramadan Story which received rave reviews from the School Library Journal and Kirkus Reviews.

“An author is always nervous to see a review of their book, especially their first book. When I read Eve Panzer’s (the Barefoot Librarian) review of my debut picture book Walkout, I immediately relaxed as I saw her deep connection to the core of the story. She truly understood the character relationships, problem, and message of the book. In addition, Eve’s correspondence was timely, efficient, and professional. I look forward to seeking her expertise and experience for future children’s books.”

-Tina M. Shepardson, Author of WALKOUT

“I was honored to receive a Barefoot Librarian Book Review as an award from this year’s Reader View’s Reviewers Choice awards. I was especially pleased that David’s ADHD was selected, since my greatest hope for the book was to have it shared in libraries so that it is available to all.” “I found her review to be insightful and extremely helpful in presenting the book, including helpful quotes from the book and well as providing encouraging and perceptive comments. I am hoping to use her reviewing service again for future books!”

-Sherrill S. Cannon, Award-Winning Author of David’s ADHD

“As an author, I feel like there’s nothing more rewarding than when grownups really get my message and what I’m trying to portray in the story. Eve Panzer is one of those gems who has been a huge champion for our yoga stories, which are a little outside the box, combining literacy and movement. Her reviews are hugely comprehensive, and it’s clear that she spends quality time getting to know the books and the authors. It was an honor to have one of our first yoga books reviewed by Eve, and I highly recommend her services!”

-Giselle Shardlow, Author and Owner of KidsYogaStories.com

Eve Panzer, The Barefoot Librarian, provided an outstanding, valuable review of my children’s book, My Chickens Lay Eggs. Her professional review was written in a comprehensive, yet concise, manner. Most importantly, it specifically highlighted aspects of the book considered relevant to my reader and buyer audiences. I sincerely appreciate the thoughtful time and effort put into the final product and highly recommend her services.

-Sherry Crelin, Author of My Chickens Lay Eggs

Thank you so much for your comprehensive review of Dr. Rosie Helps the Animals …! Your review pointed out the many lessons hidden and not so hidden in the book, which is a bonus for a story that, on the surface, seems relatively simplistic.  Thank you also for including pertinent facts and safety information from the back matter page in your review.

-Rebecca Leopold Publicist, Waterbear Publishing

This is fantastic; thank you so much! Your review really captures everything we love about this title.

-Hannah Thelen (she/her/hers), Editorial and Production Director Women In Botany (Science Wide Open series) by Mary Wissinger, Published by Science Naturally!