[Michlib-l] Summer Reading - Counting Books vs. Learning Activities

[Reish, Karren (MDE)]

We are coming up on spring (I hope) so that means Summer Reading is coming very soon. A perennial planning question with Summer Reading is what to count - books, pages, time - and if that even encourages kids to read, especially those that aren't strong readers. Many libraries are now looking at tracking activities based on reading. This type of programming shifts from pages or time to experiences and behaviors. Some libraries are trying a game board with reading goals and exploratory behaviors to be checked off instead a sheet to list books on. This can be a range of activities linked to topics in the collection. The activities selected can be done at home as well as the library for those kids who can't come to the library often. For example, a child can read a book on insects and then go look for animals/insects in their yard for an exploratory activity.

Libraries experimenting with these types of Summer Reading programs have seen that they can be more inclusive and bring in children with a broad range of interests and it can get away from problems with gaming how reading is counted. It can also be a way to encourage families to participate in local and community activities and to encourage community groups to partner with the library.

For more information, you can watch the recorded webinar the Library of Michigan did last year - Learning Challenges as a Way to Increase the Impact of Summer Reading.<https://libraryofmichigan.adobeconnect.com/_a1103330398/p74oswp2mg8/?launcher=false&fcsContent=true&pbMode=normal>

Enjoy our last days of winter as you wrap up your summer reading planning!

Karren Reish
Library Grants Coordinator
Library of Michigan
517-241-0021
517-373-5700 f
reishk at michigan.gov<mailto:reishk at michigan.gov>


Customer Service is a priority at the Michigan Department of Education - helping Michigan schools, families, and communities improve the achievement and well-being of ALL our children.
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