This Summer, Read to Succeed

Even during the summer months, Vernon Winfrey saw to it that his teenage daughter-already an avid reader-read a book and wrote a book report each week. Many books and reports later, Oprah Winfrey began her broadcast career at a Nashville radio station.

Today, Oprah Winfrey-talk show host, philanthropist, entertainment executive-still spends her spare time reading.

Many children are also reading in their spare time, even choosing to exercise their reading skills through the summer. But for many of us, when we here the word "summer" the next word that comes to mind is "vacation."

Summer is a time for long days at the beach or pool, picnics in the park, and staying up late. But kids who close their books along with the school doors can forget much of what they learned during the year. Children, especially struggling in school, can’t afford to take a vacation from reading.

Reading is a skill that must be taught, supported, and sustained. Supporting children’s reading activities-even reading daily with a child-requires substantial commitment from parents, older brothers and sisters, and caring adults such as grandparents. This is particularly true during the summer when hard-won skills can be easily erased.

Even without the structure of the school day, there are still lessons to learn. Summer is the perfect time to capitalize on children’s natural curiosity and engage them in activities of all kinds. Kids can use the break from school to explore their interests through books and computers. But it shouldn’t be a self-guided expedition. Involvement from parents or older caring adults is critical to success.

Adults can offer stimulating experiences to children who want to read and learn. Whether it’s a weekly outing to the library, museum, or bookstore, adults who pay attention to children’s interests can make a difference.

When outings aren’t possible, make virtual trip with a computer. Many public libraries, Housing and Urban Development (HUD) , Neighborhood Networks, or community centers are wired to the Internet. Adults and children can travel together on the information super highway.

Sometimes of course, ideal levels of parent involvement aren’t possible. The kids may be out of school, but work for moms and dads continues. That’s why the U.S. Department of Education’s America Reads Challenge has asked youth and community organizations, retired citizens, and other caring adults to join with teachers and parents to keep all children reading this summer.

Richard W. Riley

U.S. Education Secretary

August 3, 1999

Guest Editorial # 6