SPS aims to boost summer learning with free books, math workbooks for K-5 students

Claudette Riley, Springfield News-Leader
·2 min read
Superintendent Grenita Lathan distributed free books and educational magazines to students at Sunshine and Weaver elementary schools on May 13. It has become an end-of-year tradition for Lathan, an avid reader, as a way to encourage summer reading.
Superintendent Grenita Lathan distributed free books and educational magazines to students at Sunshine and Weaver elementary schools on May 13. It has become an end-of-year tradition for Lathan, an avid reader, as a way to encourage summer reading.

It's that time of year again. Superintendent Grenita Lathan has been visiting elementary classes to pass out bags of free books.

This year, students are also receiving scholastic magazines and workbooks, including puzzles and games meant to boost math skills.

Lathan, an avid reader, started the tradition of giving away books to encourage summer reading and help students build a personal library at home.

"I love to read. Throughout my whole life, reading has been a favorite pastime. It has introduced me to fascinating people, transported me to exciting places and exposed me to memorable experiences," Lathan wrote in a letter to Springfield parents as part of the giveaway.

"The only thing I enjoy more than reading myself is encouraging others, especially children, to experience the joy of reading."

Superintendent Grenita Lathan distributed free books and educational magazines to students at Sunshine and Weaver elementary schools on May 13. It has become an end-of-year tradition for Lathan, an avid reader, as a way to encourage summer reading.
Superintendent Grenita Lathan distributed free books and educational magazines to students at Sunshine and Weaver elementary schools on May 13. It has become an end-of-year tradition for Lathan, an avid reader, as a way to encourage summer reading.

In the letter, Lathan said she hopes the books inspire young students to become confident, independent readers.

"From an educator's perspective, I believe reading is one of the best strategies to promote achievement and prevent students from falling behind," Lathan wrote. "Children who read regularly during the summer will be better prepared to enter the classroom in August."

Lathan's efforts have received strong support from the Springfield school board, which approved buying the books to give away. Board member Maryam Mohammadkhani suggested adding the math workbooks, an idea embraced by the rest of the governing body.

Here is a by-the-numbers look at the books and other materials being sent home:

  • 46,657 − Scholastic books, five each for students in grades K-3 and three each for students in grades 4-5;

  • 10,769 − Summer express workbooks, one each for students in K-5;

  • 7,188 − Scholastic STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) workbooks, two each for students in grades 4-5;

  • 3,715 − Math practice books, provided to students in grades K-5 who have scored below grade level.

The workbooks provide a way for students to practice math, reading, writing, phonics, vocabulary and grammar.

Superintendent Grenita Lathan distributed free books and educational magazines to students at Sunshine and Weaver elementary schools on May 13. It has become an end-of-year tradition for Lathan, an avid reader, as a way to encourage summer reading.
Superintendent Grenita Lathan distributed free books and educational magazines to students at Sunshine and Weaver elementary schools on May 13. It has become an end-of-year tradition for Lathan, an avid reader, as a way to encourage summer reading.

In a letter explaining the math practice books, Lathan said the lessons are tailored to the skills students are expected to acquire at their grade level.

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For example, in third grade, a student typically works on multiplication, division, geometry and measurement, fractions and solving problems.

"This math practice workbook will provide your child with ready-to-use, skill-building practice pages with easy-to-follow directions," Lathan wrote. "The practice pages incorporate challenging puzzles, inviting games and picture problems."

This article originally appeared on Springfield News-Leader: Springfield district sends kids home with free books for summer learning