“Read MOre, Missouri!” Summer Reading Challenge

The Department of Elementary and Secondary Education is once again promoting the “Read MOre, Missouri!” summer reading challenge. This year, they are adding a math challenge as well.

You can Help Prevent “Summer Slide”

Your kids are probably already talking about what they’re going to do over the summer. Their plans could involve a slide: the slide at the water park, sliding into second base or flying along a Slip ‘N Slide® hooked up to a garden hose in the back yard. There’s one slide, though, that isn’t so much fun. It’s “summer slide.”

Summer slide is the loss of learning that can occur when children are away from school. It can rob kids of a month or more of grade-level learning during their break. Missouri has a couple of ways to help you put the brakes on summer slide.

“Read MOre, Missouri!” is our summer reading challenge. It’s easy and fun to help your children choose books to read during break. By visiting our website, you and your child can determine which books they’d want to read to keep up or increase their reading skills so that they’re ready for school to start again in August. You might find a few books to enjoy yourself, so you can read along with your child.

Missouri Math Challenge is a way for kids to keep their math skills sharp all summer long. Parents can help their children sign up for fun math activities and resources. Summer Math Challenge is intended for kids who have just completed 1^st through 7^th grades. The problems are based on the Missouri Learning Standards, so you know they are appropriate for Missouri students.

No one expects – or wants – your children to spend their summer doing school work. But along with playing ball, riding bikes, swimming and other fun summer activities, encourage your kids to spend a few minutes each day keeping up their reading and math skills. That will help get them ready for a new year of learning when they head back to school in the fall.

Have a wonderful, fun-filled summer!