May 15, 2013

Dear Parents,

As summer approaches, I’m sure you are thinking of ways to maintain your child’s good reading habits.  First and foremost, be sure that they read or are read to every day!!! Encouraging your child to read to a younger sibling, a neighbor, or friend is great practice for them!

We will have Summer Library here at Ferguson this summer!  We will be open on Tuesdays, 1:00-3:00, for six weeks, beginning on June 18th.  

You may access more information about this program on the Schlow Library site. http://www.schlowlibrary.org

Be sure that your child has a free library card so that they may participate! 

First graders have had “dots” on their browsing sticks this year, to help them to select books which are a “good fit” for them.  To determine whether or not a book is a good fit, have your child read a page from somewhere in the book.  They should put up a finger every time they miss a word.  If they put up more than 3 fingers, the book is too hard for them.  Contrarily, if they only put up 1 finger, the book is too easy.

In addition to early readers, first graders also enjoy nonfiction books.   Reading a nonfiction book with your child is a great way to share the love of reading.   Of course,  picture books are very popular and appropriate for this age level.

Have a wonderful summer, and keep those pages turning!!!

Susan Cook

Librarian, Ferguson Township Elementary School