HIT, SEC: Summer Reading Program &/or summer reading lists

[Diane Stein <BDwenger@AOL.COM>]

Thanks to the people who answered my query as to what is being done in the
area of Summer Reading Programs &/or summer reading lists at the high school
level.  From the responses it appears that schools which are doing this are
approaching it in an informal manner, requiring 1 or 2 books to be read
during the summer, often in connection with an English class.

Last summer our school gave the students an open-ended list from which to
choose.  We tried to encourage the students to want to read by:
 incorporating a library card drive, displaying pictures of teachers with
their favorite books, and having librarians from the public library come to
give booktalks and explain their Summer Reading Programs.  When the students
returned in August, those who had read more than one book over the summer
entered chances in a drawing for some prizes (gift certificates for videos,
CDs, pizzas, movies, etc.)

Presently, we're trying to promote reading through Sustained Silent Reading
once a week.  We will also try a 30-minute period schoolwide during which
teachers will read to their students.

As the school library media specialist, I have noticed an increased level of
interest in reading and discussion of reading among students and teachers
alike.  If anyone has anymore ideas, we would love to hear them!  Thanks.

Diane Stein
Bishop Dwenger High School
Fort Wayne, IN
Phone (219) 483-1108
Email: BDwenger@AOL.COM (Diane Stein)