Summer Reading Games
Crystal Pierce, Academic Achievement Coordinator
Although we were not the crowned victors, our St. Louis team, comprised of the Girls Hope scholars and two "mystery men" from Boys Hope, did quite well in this summer's First Annual BHGH Summer Reading Games. For this nation-wide competition, each team was assigned a certain number of hours per week to read from an approved novel of their choice. If the team completed their weekly assignment of hours, they would be issued a challenge. I can proudly say we completed all that were issued to us. These challenges included dressing up in survival outfits and writing a newsletter about the books we were reading.
Reana, of Girls Hope, was our top reader for more than one week, which was quite an accomplishment considering the various camps and summer activities that she was involved in. She read "The Fault in Our Stars", "Frankenstein", and "Like Water for Chocolate", among other great titles. Some other books that were read by our amazing team include, but are not limited to, "In These Girls Hope is a Muscle", "Dear Marcus: A Letter to the Man Who Shot Me", "Light: A Gone Novel", "Remembering Raquel" and "Jim Henson's Labyrinth: the Novelization".
I was also very pleased with some of our more reluctant readers who were not a part of the team, but still read their assigned summer reading from school. Thanks to the support of our staff team acting as reading buddies, I am proud to say our St. Mary's boys were both able to complete their quite challenging summer readings: "Hiroshima" and "Battle Cry".
Reading novels was not the only way we hit literacy with a bang this summer. Two scholars participated in a summer literacy program at St. Louis University, engaging in one-on-one lessons specifically designed to improve their literacy skills.
Three scholars participated regularly in the online Reading Plus program, which we were fortunate enough to receive access to thanks to a partnership with the Reading Success Center. "What are you reading now?" was a question that could be heard regularly in the homes.
Overall, we've come a long way with reading this summer...having a jump start toward the busy and successful school year that lies ahead.
|