Kids Enjoy Summer Reading Game

According to a recent study by the Johns Hopkins’ Center for Summer Learning the average student loses approximately 2.6 months of grade level equivalency in reading and math skills over the summer, But, here in Scarsdale more than 300 children are fighting this trend. They are participating in the Scarsdale Public Library’s annual Summer Reading Game and proving that one of the best ways to combat the loss is to keep reading year round.

“The program helps kids improve their school work, develop lifelong reading habits, and even awards prizes to participants in the process,” says children’s librarian Karen Zielinski.  Since the game commenced on June 25, 315 children have registered to play and 1,295 books have been read. The game’s players range from pre-readers, infants whose parents read to them, to sixth graders. “We expect even more to sign up,” Zielinski says. “In previous years, additional children join the game as the summer progresses.”  The game ends on August 14.  Last year, the program had 265 participants.

The Summer Reading Game is easily played by children at home or away for the summer. Students are encouraged to read whatever books interest them and can record their books as they are reading them, or all at once at their convenience.

Seven (soon to be eight) year old Brooke Paykian describes the game as “fun” and “easy.” She was pleased to find out that she could read her favorite mystery series, David Adler’s Cam Jansen, for the game. Another popular series being read by participants is The 39 Clues, an ongoing mystery series written by well-known children’s authors Rick Riordan, Gordon Korman, Peter Lerangis, Jude Watson, Patrick Carman, Linda Sue Park, and Margaret Peterson Haddix. Rick Riordan’s other series, the historically based Kane Chronicles and Lightening Thief, are also enjoying popularity among this year’s readers.

Children can still sign up for the game, either online (through a link on the library website, www.scarsdalelibrary.org) or at the library’s Children’s Desk. After registering, participants will receive a free Start-Up Kit, including fun activities, the rules and a reading journal.  Participants are eligible to win exciting prizes and a weekly ice cream raffle.

 Zielinski notes that playing the Summer Reading Game is a great way for kids to have fun, continue good reading practices and be ready when school starts.