TALLAHASSEE, Fla.-- Governor Jeb Bush joined by Secretary of State Glenda Hood, launched the summer reading program, "Just Read, Families!" - a partnership with the Department of State Library's Division. The program offers parents the online tools to nurture summer reading while providing incentives to students who achieve certain reading goals.
"Research shows children who do not continue reading through the summer can lose a month or more of progress made in the past school year. By encouraging children to read, parents are playing a critical role in achieving our mission to have every child reading at grade level or above," Gov. Bush said.
The Web site is divided into five sections. Those sections include tips on reading aloud to children; summer reading activities, a downloadable summer reading activities kit; a child-friendly Kids Page; recommended reading and library links.
The main component of "Just Read, Families!" is the Florida Libraries Youth Program, a summer reading program that aims to provide opportunities for children and their families to discover the joy of reading together through activities at local public libraries.
"Learning to read is one of the most important skills we learn as a child," said Secretary Hood.
