DANVILLE, Va. – Summer slide is a term that parents and teachers fear.
It refers to the learning loss that occurs during the summer months.
Danville-based organization BookEnds is working to prevent this type of learning loss with its new 6-book summer reading program.
“It’s something that can empower parents, loved ones, churches and other organizations,” said David Worrell of BookEnds.
Studies show that when students read six books each summer, it prevents the loss of reading skills.
“They’re more likely to graduate from high school, more likely to go to college, more likely to get a better job,” Worrell said.
Books can be picked up for free from any of twenty distribution sites, including God’s Storehouse and The Institute for Advanced Learning and Research.
“Because we’re giving out food three days a week, and we’re seeing a lot of people in need and we’re seeing a lot of kids now that school is out, a lot of kids are coming through, we’re like yeah, us would be the perfect place,” said God’s Storehouse Executive Director Karen Harris.
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“And that’s one way to give back,” said Audia Harris, AmeriCorps program coordinator.
“Last week we gave out over 1,500 books,” she said.
The program brings reading skills and smiles to children’s faces.
“They were super excited. I was there and there were two children and I asked them: “Did you receive your books? And they’re like, ‘Ya we have our books!’ So they were really excited to get it,” Karen Harris said.
Find the list of the 6 Book Summer distribution sites, here.
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