Gov. John deJongh Jr. on Tuesday challenged students across the territory to read as many books as they can over their summer vacations in the fifth annual Governor’s Summer Reading Challenge._.jpg "At the beginning of last year's reading challenge, Alicia Joseph looked for just the right book (file photo 2012).")
The program will kick off on June 21 and will continue through Sept. 13. The initiative promotes literacy by encouraging children to read and helps them to discover and collect books that they can use to start their own personal libraries.
This year’s challenge is open to all of the territory’s public, private and parochial students between kindergarten and eighth grade, according to a news release Tuesday from Government House.
“Every year, the Governor’s Summer Reading Challenge provides motivation for the territory’s youth to develop a passion for reading. The four previous reading challenge programs encouraged the territory’s children to discover knowledge and adventure on the written page and open worlds of imagination towards becoming committed readers throughout their lives,” deJongh said.
Reading challenge participants who keep track of their reading and complete five or more books will be invited to a Fun Day event with the governor at the end of the summer, recognizing their achievements. Participating students can learn more about the Governor’s Summer Reading Challenge at www.readfive.org and are encouraged to visit the program’s Facebook page.
As part of the kickoff of the 2013 reading program, featured books and special treats will be distributed on St. Thomas at Tutu Park Mall from noon to 4 p.m. on June 22; on St. Croix at the Sunny Isle Shopping Center Amphitheatre from 1 to 5 p.m. on June 22; and at the St. John Festival Food Fair from 1 to 5 p.m. on June 23.
The Governor’s Summer Reading Challenge is a partnership between the Office of the Governor, the V.I. Department of Education, Virgin Islands Public Libraries and the Community Foundation of the Virgin Islands. In the news release, the governor also thanked TV2 for being this year’s key sponsor.
Judith Kane St John
Governor’s Reading Program link not responding for comment. But after reading ‘typical’ book report questions asked of child, I would like to see a couple more challenging comprehension and critical thinking questions on student book tracker. Reading COMPREHENSION questions are always included towards end of any standardized tests and are the ones students have the most trouble with. Critical thinking, abstract thinking is not memorization or rote learning, and you have to start doing it early… (or you will never pass the driver’s test exam if you don’t parrot back the exact wording…sorry…because it isn’t really funny. We want our students to close the gap they face.
Also could not access reading lists for each grade. Hope at least one offering each grade level in Spanish as you will have more success teaching a child to read in their home language (…there are books available even for patois!). They are NOT ‘special ed’ kids, and once understanding the mechanics of decoding is grasped in their own language, they transfer the skill more quickly and easily to English. And of course, VI-born students will only benefit from an early exposure to Spanish… being bilingual gives stateside students an edge in being hired. Employers know who the NEW consumers are so out of 2 equally good applicants it will be the one who can serve their business best that will be hired. We are a bit behind the times here, but surely everyone has noticed Spanish labeling on everything you buy?! Help your kids compete.
Respectfully suggested,a 30 yr veteran teacher.