Spring 2011

 

Dear Parents,

 

Becoming a reader often begins in the home and with the family.  Reading to children and discussing literature and its relationship to life are some of the more pleasurable tasks of parenthood.  Ideally, such activities become routines which become embedded in the fabric of family life. 

 

Family reading can be greatly enhanced during the summer months.  While this is potentially a time when there can be a regression of reading skills as students may be reading less, this is actually an ideal opportunity to enhance a child’s love for reading, hence, their ability to read well. During the summer children should be exploring and discovering a wide variety of authors and titles that appeal to their interests and abilities.  The world of books offers endless possibilities for summer reading enjoyment, ranging from stories filled with wonderful illustrations, characters, and settings to well-written non-fiction and chapter books.  I encourage you to use this time to guide your children to books that match their interest as well as their readiness. Then take some time to read to your child to share the joys that interesting and well-written books can provide to all.

 

This year, we have transitioned to a 21^st century format for our summer reading lists. In addition to the tips and suggestions that appear on the following pages, our Bedford elementary school librarians, Rina Baldo–Pound Ridge, Vicki Bradley–Bedford Hills, Linda Galassi–West Patent, Lesley Levine–Bedford Village, and Susan Polos–Mt. Kisco, have provided you with internet links to outstanding summer reading lists. These lists are organized in a variety of ways, including by literature genre, age/grade levels, and interest area.  You will find many of these selections in your local libraries.

 

We wish you and your child a summer filled with happy hours of reading.

 

Sincerely,

Drew Patrick

Assistant Superintendent of Curriculum and Instruction