Summer Reading

Tewksbury Public Schools 

Summer Reading Program for Students Entering Grades K-4

Dear Parents/Guardians,

Welcome to our Summer Reading Program! Reading is not just a pastime; it’s a cornerstone of academic achievement. Research consistently shows that students who read regularly perform better in school, making it a priority for us to encourage and nurture this habit.

We kindly request all children to participate in our program by reading daily over the summer months.  For incoming students in Grades K & 1, we suggest reading to your children for 10-15 minutes a day.  For students in incoming Grades 2 -4, we suggest that they read for 15-20 minutes a day.  Families and students can showcase their reading by completing/signing the Bingo Board and Book Log.  In addition, students attending our Title I schools—Dewing and Center Elementary—are encouraged to utilize their Lexia accounts over the summer months for additional literacy skill development. Regular use of Lexia can help reinforce important skills and maintain progress over the break.

We’ve compiled a list of suggested authors for students in Kindergarten and Grade 1 and students in Grades 2-4 to assist you and your child in finding engaging reads suitable for their grade level. However, feel free to explore any book that sparks their interest. To help you kick-start your child’s reading journey, here are some tips:

• Follow Their Interests: Choose books on topics that resonate with your child’s interests. Frequent visits to the public library can expose them to a wide array of subjects and genres.
• Encourage Curiosity: Children are naturally curious beings. Encourage them to ask questions about the stories they’re reading. Engaging in discussions about the plot, characters, and their opinions fosters critical thinking skills.
• Ask Thoughtful Questions: Encourage your child to reflect on their reading by asking open-ended questions. Questions like “What do you think will happen next?” or “Why did you like that character?” stimulate their comprehension and analytical skills.
• Diversify Reading Material: Encourage your child to explore different genres and formats, from poetry to non-fiction. Varying their reading selections keeps them engaged and broadens their literary horizons.

To ensure participation, please assist your child in reading daily over the summer.  Come fall, teachers will collect each child’s Bingo Board and Book Log, which should be turned in with a parent/guardian signature. Students who meet this summer’s reading requirement will receive a small prize!  More importantly, consistent reading over the summer months will better prepare students for a successful school year ahead. 

Thank you for your support in cultivating a love for reading in our students. Together, we can inspire a lifelong passion for learning!