Summer is a season filled with adventure, relaxation, and fun; however, it can also lead to a decline in the reading skills that students have diligently developed throughout the school year. This phenomenon, known as the “summer slide,” can pose challenges for children as they return to school in the fall, ready to learn.
Fortunately, your library offers a fantastic resource to help families maintain their reading habits all summer long: Scholastic BookFlix.
What Is BookFlix?
Scholastic BookFlix is an engaging digital literacy tool tailored for children in PreK through Grade 3. Each BookFlix pairing features a classic fictional picture book alongside a related nonfiction title, aiding young readers in enhancing their reading comprehension, expanding their vocabulary, and making connections between stories and real-life topics.
Each title also offers interactive features such as:
- Read-aloud narration with highlighted text
- Educational games and activities
- Vocabulary support
- Safe, age-appropriate videos
- Printable resources for caregivers and educators
These features make BookFlix particularly appealing for emerging readers and those who benefit from audio support.
How BookFlix Helps Prevent the Summer Slide
Establishing a consistent reading routine during the summer is one of the most effective ways to mitigate learning loss. BookFlix simplifies this by providing children with an engaging, interactive reading experience they can enjoy from home or while traveling.
Using BookFlix throughout the summer enables children to:
- Regularly practice their reading skills
- Build confidence as independent readers
- Enhance comprehension through the connection of fiction and nonfiction
- Develop background knowledge across various subjects, including science, social studies, animals, nature, and more
- Cultivate a lifelong passion for reading
Even dedicating just 15–20 minutes a day to reading can significantly impact students’ retention of the skills they’ve acquired during the school year.
Tips for Families
Encourage parents and caregivers to integrate BookFlix into their family’s summer routine:
- Read one BookFlix pair together multiple times a week.
- Discuss the similarities and differences between the fiction and nonfiction titles.
- Engage in the interactive activities following the reading.
- Select topics that resonate with a child’s interests, such as dinosaurs, space, animals, weather, or sports.
- Celebrate daily reading with a simple summer reading calendar or sticker chart.
Your Library Is Here to Help
One of the key benefits of BookFlix is its accessibility; it is available anytime, anywhere with an internet connection through the Power Kids Library website. Families can enjoy high-quality digital books from the comfort of their homes, making it an excellent complement to your library’s summer reading program.
This summer, encourage families to explore BookFlix and help young readers continue learning, growing, and discovering. Just a few minutes of reading each day can ensure children return to school prepared for another successful year—and your library is here to support them every step of the way.
Gabi- Robinson Library