Kids who participate in the IRC Summer Reading Activity Camp spend several weeks building positive feelings toward reading and frequenting a library that was specially created for them.
Years of research has proven that summer reading programs translate into higher reading scores in the fall. According to Scholastic, 94% of parents are aware of the significance of summer reading, but half of these parents are unaware of the cumulative loss of academic skills when school is not in session. For BIPOC children, summer reading programs help maintain language skills.
Numerous studies show that access to books and magazines from a library is directly related to high reading achievement, and strong readers tend to have a more positive attitude towards school. Students who read regularly develop skills that help their confidence and proficiency in multiple subjects, even math.
So how do we positively encourage children to read during the summer months?
Reading for pleasure is the key for lasting success
Piquing children’s interests with entertaining activities is the catalyst for discovery. Whether it’s science or environmental wonders, the hope is that curiosity will lead to a desire to know more by reading.
The need for Islamic themed children’s books is the seed that grew into the Islamic Resource Center (IRC) lending library. Parents contacted Janan Najeeb, founder and executive director of Milwaukee Muslim Women’s Coalition, looking for stories that would interest and reflect their experiences. A dozen years later, through the support of many donors, the library contains thousands of children and adult books, curated by a professional librarian. This Wisconsin gem is a significant resource on Islam and Muslims serving educators, students, health professionals and especially children of all ages.
Last summer, students made mini volcanos with a baking soda and vinegar mixture to mimic a lava flow.
Variety of exciting educational activities
The 2024 Summer Reading and Activity program at the IRC library 5235 S. 27th St., Greenfield for elementary students K3 through 8th grade, starts June 24 and ends on August 16. Parents can stay updated on all summer program information and registration links for special events sign up for the youth mailing list.
Jenny Wegener, former head of youth services at the Pewaukee public library brings two decades of experience to the IRC. She has significantly expanded the inventory of children’s books and gets excited when visitors sign up to get a library card.
The theme for this year’s summer reading program is Dig Deeper; Read, Investigate, Discover!
Jenny Wegener, IRC librarian
“Maybe this summer a child will ‘dig deep’ into paleontology (pun intended) or learn the names of all the bones in the human body,” said Wegener. “Perhaps they’ll discover an interest in cooking, juggling, the importance of insects or the magic of butterflies, what it means to be a police officer, or the difference between a black or a blue ocean.
“Public librarians spend their careers tweaking and improving programs to fit the needs of their communities. The goal is to keep kids reading, learning and discovering what interests them.”
The seven week Summer Reading and Activity program has two components – the reading challenge and the educational activities.
Weekly reading logs for preschool to eighth grade will be tallied for prizes and raffle tickets for family memberships to Schlitz Audubon Nature Center, Wisconsin Historical Society and Discovery World. A special choice for the reading log this year are character building challenges to grow kindness and assist their families – doing the dishes, taking care of a plant or pet, helping an older person with a chore, writing someone a letter, stargazing or telling someone you love them.
Average number of books kids read in the summer
Wegener feels that “younger kids might be reading two or three every day. An older child might read one long novel. She plans to create more programming for early learners so they continue to stay connected to the IRC library and deepen their love of reading. The popular drop-in storytime/special project for preschoolers on Wednesday mornings from 10:30 a.m. will be a part of summer programming.
“The number of books is not as important as the quantity and consistency of time spent reading – experts suggest that a child read at least 20 minutes a day. I would consider that a minimum so in designing the summer reading logs, I asked kids to read for 30 minutes.
“Once a child gets hooked on reading, that can expand considerably. It is perfectly fine for kids to re-read a favorite book or series of books in the summer. Think of it as visiting old friends – the repetition gives them a great sense of comfort.”
Discovering new interests and hobbies
Youth program activities require pre-registration the week before each event due to limited seating. Presenters are based on themes from Wegener include Mad Science, Wehr Nature Center, the Milwaukee Public Museum, professional juggler, “Milwaukee Steve” and movie days.
Mad Science presenters will teach about how environmental groups tackle the aftermath of a oil spill in a simulated demonstration called “Black and Blue Oceans.”
Summer schedule of events:
Week one 6/24 Investigate Allah’s earth
- Youth activity: Discover underground animals
- Storytime: What lives underground?
- Youth activity: Mad Science – Bugs Investigate! Learn about insects’ fabulous flying abilities, defense mechanisms and the unusual way they see their surroundings.
Week two 7/1 Kindness brings happiness
- Youth activity: Wehr Nature Center presents – One butterfly…three countries
- Storytime: Smiles and silliness
- Youth activity: Movie and popcorn
Week three 7/8 Discover a new skill
- Youth activity: Learn to juggle with juggler, ‘Milwaukee Steve’ Girman
- Storytime: Growing and changing
- Youth activity: Super sports! Amazing sports facts and experiments
Week four 7/15 Investigate Your Community
- Youth activity: Explore our community
- Storytime: Discover your community
- Youth activity: Greenfield Police Department visits the IRC
Week five 7/22 Green Deen what Islam teaches about protecting the planet
- Youth activity: Milwaukee Public Museum (MPM) presents “Wild in Wisconsin”
- Storytime: Favorite flowers and perfect plants
- Youth activity: Mad Science – “Black and Blue Oceans”
Week six 7/29 Allah created all creatures
- Youth activity: Reptile education through contact visits with live reptiles
- Storytime: Wild animals
- Youth activity: Milwaukee Public Museum presents the “Beautiful World of Butterflies”
Week seven 8/5 Summer Reading Wrap Party
- Youth activity: Craft project day
- Storytime: Summer fun
- Youth activity: Movie and pizza party!
Wegener has been working hard to increase the library’s selections of kid, teen and adult books. She wants to encourage people to stop in and see what’s new, discover new books or recommend ones that would be a great addition to the shelves. There are also many new books, games and activity kits for sale in the IRC bookstore.
“In my career, I have watched children graduate from storytime listeners, to beginning readers, to avid readers, to teen volunteers and some who became my coworkers.”
In gratitude
The Milwaukee Muslim Women’s Coalition would like to acknowledge the generosity of the Kolaga Family Charitable Trust in support of the annual Summer Reading and Activity Camp. The value to the children served through their funding is immeasurable.
