Summer Reading Program Returns to the Times

By: Shelia Mader

The Jackson County Times is once again inviting young readers to set sail on a summer adventure through books with this year’s exciting summer reading program theme, “Dive Into Reading!”

We are already counting down the days until readers begin walking through the doors again with their reading passports in hand.

For those who know me, you know I absolutely love seeing these children grow through reading. Every summer they gain confidence, imagination, knowledge and excitement about learning. Reading truly changes lives.

This has become a popular community reading program that encourages children of all ages to read throughout the summer while earning prizes and incentives along the way. Each participant will receive a special reading “passport book” during their first visit. The passport contains 10 weekly pages representing the 10 weeks of summer reading fun.

On each page, children can draw a picture or write a few words about their favorite part of the book or books they read for the week. They will also record the title and author before receiving a special “travel stamp” sticker, much like travelers receive stamps while visiting countries around the world.

Readers are encouraged to stop by once each week to share what they have been reading with not only Ms. Shelia, but Ms. Megan, Mr. Mark and Mr. Alan. Hearing the children talk about books is one of the highlights of my summer and it will be their highlight also.

After sharing their books, readers will receive a mini sand pail or colorful caterpillar cloth bag and choose prizes from a beach-themed treasure table filled with goodies including fruit snacks, treats, stickers, sunglasses, toys, trinkets and other fun surprises.

This year, we are also considering adding extra milestone awards and special reader badges throughout the summer to keep the excitement building week after week.

And there is another fun addition in the works.

Children participating in the program will have the opportunity to help name the official summer prize table. Possible names already being discussed include “Treasure Tide Table,” “Captain’s Prize Cove,” and “The Reading Reef,” but I cannot wait to hear the creative ideas from the readers themselves.

The reading program continues to make a remarkable impact on local children and families.

Throughout this past year, nine young participants in the program were recognized at a Jackson County School Board meetings after completing the “1,000 Books Before Kindergarten” milestone. It’s moments like those remind me of exactly why the program matters so much.

We even have children as young as two participating with parents reading to them. And we have little readers as young as three years old already reading books on their own. Two of our readers who turn five this summer are already reading at a third-grade level. That is incredible.

The mission behind the program has always been simple. Reading is knowledge and knowledge is power. If we can help children fall in love with books early, we are helping build stronger futures for them. Every book opened is another opportunity created.

Returning readers are already being eagerly anticipated, and new readers are warmly welcomed to join the adventure this summer.

This is one of my favorite things we do at the newspaper. I am anxiously awaiting every returning reader, and I cannot wait to meet the new ones who will begin their own reading journey with us this summer.

Parents interested in enrolling their children in the “Dive Into Reading” summer reading program are encouraged to watch the Jackson County Times for additional details in the coming weeks. For questions, you may call the Times office at (850)526-1501.