Peoria Standard

Studies have shown that when students are not engaged in educational activities during the summer break, they often experience learning loss, effectively erasing gains made during the school year.

To help students stay ahead of the curve, several House Republican lawmakers are sponsoring summer reading programs for children. These programs challenge elementary school-aged students to read on their own during the summer months, allowing them to choose their own books and self-report their results.

Legislators have devised various incentives to encourage young readers, including recognition awards, ice cream socials, pizza parties, and tickets for local sporting events.

More than 100 participants have already completed Rep. Ryan Spain’s summer reading program, which ends on July 31. It is expected that the number of participants will grow by the reading deadline. “Keeping the mind active through reading over summer break helps ensure students enter the next school year on the front foot,” said Spain. “My Summer Reading Program is a fun way to reward students by simply reading eight books over their summer break and returning a form signed by a parent or guardian. It’s important for all of us in our communities to encourage students to get ahead by becoming better readers.”

Summer reading programs are just one of many ways Illinois House Republican legislators are ensuring Illinois students succeed academically. The Literacy Improves Future Endeavors (LIFE) working group focuses on improving literacy and outcomes for all students through bold legislative initiatives aimed at enhancing reading scores and addressing the teacher shortage.