You’ve worked hard with your students all year – putting books in their hands, reading aloud and talking with them about books. They are engaged and reading more than ever! But, what happens when summer hits? They no longer have constant access to books and a strong reading model. Take your students on a library field trip!
Why a library field trip?
The benefits of going on a field trip to the library can be huge! Many students don’t even know that a local library exists. By taking them to visit, they can learn all that the library has to offer.
Many libraries have summer programs that students of all ages can participate in. They have fun (and often free) events that entice students to come into the library each week.
Why should we go at the end of the year?
Any time of the year is good for a library field trip! And the end of the year is an especially good time to visit. It lets students know that they can still access hundreds of books (for free!) all summer long. By building on the reading culture that you have created all year long, you can show students that they can continue to be avid readers throughout the summer.
What are some of the goals?
- show students how to use the library
- acquaint them with the librarians
- introduce them to the summer program
- have them sign up for a library card
- create a summer reading list for themselves
Taking your students to the library at the end of the school year can make a huge difference in their reading life. And by encouraging your students to read all summer long, they will be more invested in making it a daily habit.
