Bridget Patrick, Acting Director, Morale, Welfare and Recreation, Office of the Secretary of Defense (Military Community and Family Policy)
With summer vacation in full swing, we must provide opportunities for our children to continue their development. The DoD’s summer reading program is a great way to do this. This year’s theme, “Reading Is So Delicious,” gives readers of all ages a change to dive into a “buffet” of book choices.
Last summer, the DoD libraries saw a 400 percent increase in participation, and we hope the trend continues this summer. With a fun theme that combines reading with delicious, healthy eating, it’s sure to be a hit with children of all ages!
Most programs will run eight weeks with open enrollment throughout the summer. Activiites will range by location and include everything from edible art projects (yum!) to discussions of classic books like James and the Giant Peach.
The reading program gives your children a chance to get excited about reading. It provides them with another option when your family is taking a long car ride, when they are stuck inside with poor weather, or just need a quiet break. Reading is also a great way for families to spend time together! You can join the program together or set aside specific times when you can read alongside your children.
Countless research studies show that students who read recreationally outperform those who don’t. Futhermore, students typically score lower on standardized tests at the end of summer vacation than they do on the same tests at the beginning of the summer. The DoD’s summer reading program can ensure that your children are continuing the significant gains they made during the school year.
With miltary children especially, a summer reading program is critical to offset any time missed during the year due to relocation or a parent’s deployment. Sometimes a reading program like this, with interactive events, activities, and prizes, can be just what your children need to get motivated to read on their own!
About 250 installation libraries are participating this year. For more information on the program or to see what activities are planned near you, contact your installation library or email dodsumread@navy.mil.
If you participated in the summer reading program last year and can share a story about your experience, please join our discussion. We’d love to hear your thoughts about the program or any suggestions you have to get our children reading this summer!
