James Hill Elementary school and its parents are making sure students continue to experience the joy of reading throughout the summer.
The school year ended with a book “shopping spree,” during which each student got to choose 15 free books to take home for summer.
The idea came from Grade 1 teacher Barbara Peck, who wanted to combat reading loss during the summer months.
She organized and recruited parents to help get books donated and sort them into genres to prepare for the event.
On June 22 and 23, nearly 10,000 donated books were placed on tables in the library for students to choose from.
The students were able to go through with their class and select 15 free books each to take home.
“If they love them, they get to keep them. Otherwise, they can return them and our stock of books continues to grow,” said Peck.
“Research shows that if the kids get to choose the books they read, they will read.”
“Kids were literally jumping with excitement in the library as they got to choose their very own books to take for the whole summer,” said principal Chris Wejr.
Peck said the feedback and excitement keeps her wanting to grow the summer book program.
“The kids can’t wait for it and they can’t believe the books are free. It’s a fairly low-cost idea and I have a wonderful team of parents dedicated to wanting children to read.”
Not only do the students get books, Staples supplies the book bags and Dairy Queen supplies coupons for a free ice cream.
Peck also provides some literature on the importance and benefits of reading.
Literacy experts came to the last Langley board of education meeting to talk about the importance of literacy. When young people choose to read, it is an indicator of success later in life, according to research they presented.