MEMPHIS, Tenn. — Kids were still out of the classroom for winter break Wednesday, possibly losing some of what they learned this fall.
This year, statewide TCAP reading scores declined for third- through sixth-graders.
WREG looked into ways to keep literacy skills from declining when class is out.
“Marching by a lake,” said Mykilei Williams, 6, sounding out the words.
She spent Wednesday afternoon buried in books.
Her mom, Latoshia, took her to Benjamin L. Hooks Central Library.
“We came to get some easy readers and to check out some books for her. She’s in kindergarten, and I’m just teaching her how to read,” Latoshia Williams said.
Library staff said others in the community are doing the same to prevent against reading skills regressing over winter break.
That is something Angela Massengale, manager of the Central Children’s Department, said is very real.
“We’re not just looking at children but trying to reach literacy for the whole family,” Massengale said.
Massengale said it is imperative parents make time to read with their kids at home.
“It can be a picture book, but sitting down and reading together even for five or 10 minutes everyday, that keeps those skills going,” Massengale said.
The library offers programs year-round, including the winter break. Children and their families can come for story time. Massengale said programs can also help parents who may not be able to read very well themselves.
For some parents who may not feel confident in helping their kids with reading skills, there is a section in the library that has teaching guides about ways to begin some of these conversations.
You may learn more about programming at Memphis Public Library locations by checking out this calendar.
You may also view specific Winter Break programming here.
