An official website of the United States government
A .mil website belongs to an official U.S. Department of Defense organization in the United States.
A lock (lock ) or https:// means you’ve safely connected to the .mil website. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites.

Tyndall library prevents “summer slide”

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Ty-Rico Lea
  • 325th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
TYNDALL AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. --  As the new school year quickly approaches children of all ages will say goodbye to summer and prepare to start their next level of education.

During the summer season, the Tyndall base library took the opportunity to host the Summer Reading Program. Sponsored by the 325th Force Support Squadron, the program was targeted to develop verbal and reading skills of children.

"The goal of the Summer Reading program is to encourage reading comprehension and assist children with reading skills regardless of age," said Liana Vargas, 325th FSS library technician. "The program is a preventative measure against the so called 'summer slide' or summer gap during a child's long school break."

According to www.summerlearning.org, all young people experience learning losses when they do not engage in educational activities during the summer. Research spanning 100 years shows that students typically score lower on standardized tests at the end of summer vacation than they do on the same tests at the beginning of the summer.

"The theme of the Summer Reading Program changes annually," said Vargas. "So the official name of this year's program is 'Read to the Rhythm'."

The program was first established in 2010 by the library staff.

During the month of July, the library hosted reading sessions for children with special guests from popular cartoons & children's movies.

"We average about 80 to 100 participants, not including their parents," said Vargas. "These numbers have tripled compared to last year."

Extracurricular activities such as arts and crafts, painting, prize giveaways and a Zumba lesson from fitness center personnel, were offered to children in attendance. Participants were also introduced to different musical instruments between reading sessions.

"Each week after story time we have a fun craft activity and entertainment for interactive participation with the kids," added Vargas. "This year our activities revolve around music.  We have incorporated instruments, singing and dancing."

Active-duty, Department of Defense and military family members are encouraged to volunteer and read to the children.

"All members with Tyndall are welcome to volunteer," said Vargas. "All volunteers willing to help should come to the library or directly contact me via e-mail or phone."

Library staff selects books depending on the age of each child participating in the program.

"The Read-to-Me group is for our little ones who can't read by themselves or are new to reading," said Vargas. "Our book club group is designed for intermediate to advanced readers."

"The Summer reading programs are valuable not only in keeping reading skills sharp," said Yvette Spivey, 325 FSS force development flight chief. "But also as a means for family members to spend time together, an especially important aspect for military families."

For more information on this program or other library related events, contact (850)283-4287.