Summer Reading Program 2024
What type of results can I expect?
You typically see the first results in 4-5 days, as long as you work the program. You will be charting progress on a daily basis. However, we’re not able to foresee every incident that could impact how your child cognitively responds to instruction, so results may take a bit longer.
Does it really only take 45-60 minutes a day?
Yes! There are multiple different exercises each day that you can choose to do all at once or break up into multiple parts.
What if I don’t live near you? Can I still do the program?
The Summer Reading Program is online, so as long as you have online access you can do the program.
Do you offer a guarantee?
Yes! We offer this program because we love seeing parents and their kids succeed. It is an extraordinary experience to watch parents empower their kids, and we are 100% committed to your success. For your part, the success of the program relies on your commitment to completing the weekly activities as outlined. We offer a 7-Day money back guarantee.
Is the Summer Reading Program all online?
The program materials and teaching videos are delivered and accessed online. Each day you will print out a few pages of handouts to use with your kids. Most of the lessons and activities are done offline at a table or outside.
There are a lot of fun activities and games. With grades 1-3, most of the activities are done with the parent and child together. For grades 4 and above, there are a couple of activities done with the parent and child together and the rest the child can do independently.
How do I choose a grade or reading level?
Do you know what his current reading level is? Upon sign up, you will be asked what grade your child will be entering in the fall and whether they are above grade level, at grade level, or below grade level by 1-3 years in their reading skills. Give your best estimate. If the material you choose is too easy or too hard, contact us, and we’ll switch it once for free.
Additionally, you can choose a couple reading selections at the grade level you think your child is capable of reading proficiently. Have them read aloud to you. Make a note of any repetitions, substitutions, omissions, or mispronunciations they make. Then ask them at least five comprehension questions. Instructional level is reading without mistakes with a 93% accuracy and a minimum of 75% comprehension.
Do we need to do the activities daily?
The Summer Reading Program has activities for Monday through Friday, Friday being the light day. For the most progress, you will want to be as consistent as possible. Studies show that consistency of short daily sessions gives more progress than longer sessions twice a week.
You might even think of this like learning to play the piano. You must practice daily for it become second nature.
What does a typical day look like?
- Print out the handouts
- Watch the short videos either by yourself or with your kids to know what to do (about 5 minutes)
- Do the fluency training with your kids (5 minutes)
- Activities for comprehension, phonics, brain-body and executive function rotate throughout the week (20 – 40 minutes)
How are lessons released?
Access to each week’s lessons is delivered weekly. In other words, each week you will get five lessons for that week. You may choose to do some of the lessons on the weekend if you are busy during the week.
Do you accept children over 8th grade?
Yes, because the content is more reading level specific. So, if you are in 8th grade or going into 9th grade but need a reading boost, this program would benefit you.
Can we do more than one session?
Yes, upon completion of one session, just sign up for a subsequent session, either choosing the same reading level (if you haven’t completed it) or the next higher reading level.
What do you recommend for a child that is reading several grade levels below their academic grade level?
Sign up for a subsequent session either choosing the same reading level (if you haven’t completed it) or the next higher reading level. You do not want to double up on lessons/day. Research shows that more progress is made when doing a small amount each day rather than several hours per day.
Why are executive function activities included?
We include executive function activities in our Summer Reading Program because there is a direct connection between executive function and reading skills.
Who can benefit from the Summer Reading Program?
Any student/family that is wanting to improve their reading skills with a little bit of time invested on a daily basis. Those that put in the 45 to 60 minutes a day make tremendous progress in skills as well as self-esteem.
Questions to ask yourself:
- Do you want your child to feel more confident in their reading skills?
- Do you want reading to be easier for your child?
- Do you want to help your child make real and positive changes?
- Are you open to doing a few simple activities to gain reading and learning confidence?
- Are you ready to make this summer the summer that really makes a difference in your child’s education?
If so, this reading program is for you.
Will the Summer Reading Program improve my child’s reading ability?
Research has shown one of the fastest and easiest things a person can do to improve their reading skills is to improve their fluency. This Summer Reading Program has a fluency component as well as comprehension component, your child’s reading ability will improve if you take a few minutes each day and work the program.
What areas of reading need to be included in a valid reading program?
The National Reading Panel has made it clear that the best approach to reading instruction is one that incorporates:
- Explicit instruction in phonemic awareness
- Systematic phonics instruction
- Methods to improve fluency
- Vocabulary instruction
- Ways to enhance comprehension
This Summer Reading Program includes these components in a variety of ways since the National Reading Panel also stresses including a combination of methods.
What is phonemic awareness?
Phonemic Awareness is the ability to recognize and manipulate language sounds. This is a foundational skill of reading and spelling.
What is phonics?
Phonics is sometimes referred to as a method to teach reading. Phonics actually is learning and mastering the ability to use the phonological awareness of sounds and matching those sounds to the letter symbols. This is called the alphabetic principle.
What is reading fluency?
Reading Fluency is the ability to retrieve words automatically and easily, almost without thought.
Dr. Sally Shaywitz, the author of Overcoming Dyslexia, states, “Fluency Training is one of the most important things a parent can do to help their child improve their reading skills.”
What is vocabulary?
Vocabulary is the group or body of words known by an individual. Your ability to improve and expand your vocabulary correlates to your ability to understand and comprehend text at higher and higher levels.
What is comprehension?
Comprehension is your ability to understand and use what you have read, listened to, or watched.
Why are executive function activities included in the program?
There is a direct correlation between executive function and reading skills. Your ability to comprehend depends on your ability to retrieving word meaning and integrate that with prior knowledge. That specific skill involves executive function. When executive function skills improve, overall reading and learning skills improve.
Why are brain balance activities included in the program?
Brain Balancing is critical to reading and overall learning as the vestibular system helps us to focus our perception of objects and words. It allows us to see the shapes, sizes, and positions of letters in space. Additionally, this system helps you to visually scan words across a page to read fluently and accurately.