Catherine Behrendt

2 weeks ago | wzzm13.com | Catherine Behrendt

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. — Remember when you were a child and the start of summer break, the feeling of freedom, days at the beach, and gathering with friends?   All THIS summer, why not incorporate reading into your plans for fun? 13 On Your Side is focused on literacy and the backslide that happens when kids are out of school and not as focused on their reading skills. Without the structure of a classroom and curriculum, summers can un-do much of what has been achieved in school the year before.

2 weeks ago | wzzm13.com | Catherine Behrendt

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. — Research shows a strong correlation between poor literacy and poverty.   That’s why it’s important to catch children while they’re young and encourage them to become lifelong readers.   Educators agree, a child who struggles with reading faces a lifetime of challenges.   The ability to read affects a child’s future earning potential. In fact, statistics show that workers with poor literacy earn somewhere between 30 and 40 percent lessthan their peers.

2 weeks ago | wzzm13.com | Catherine Behrendt

KENT COUNTY, Mich. — Kent District Library has kicked off its summer reading program.   The Summer Wonder Challenge takes children on a journey of reading, learning and experiencing! It challenges children to log their reading and earn some great prizes.   Along with the reading, Summer Wonder encourages scavenger hunts, outdoor discovery, STEAM activities and lots of fun for the whole family. Amber Elder, Programming Specialist with KDL, said summer reading programs make learning fun.

3 weeks ago | wzzm13.com | Catherine Behrendt

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. — School ends this week for many West Michigan students.   Educators say when kids continue learning during the summer they are healthier, safer, and more prepared for the school year ahead.   With that in mind, 13 On Your Side has teamed up with two local programs in the Grand Rapids area, Storytime in the Park and Read GR, to encourage continued summer learning.

3 weeks ago | wzzm13.com | Catherine Behrendt

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. — Two Grand Rapids city parks are hosting literacy events every Tuesday of the summer.  Starting June 3, Garfield Park will be the site of Storytime in the Park.   Starting June 10, Lincoln Park is the second site for this summer-long literacy campaign.   Storytime in the Park started at Garfield 16 years ago and continues to set records for crowd size.   That bodes well for getting books into the hands of children, which is the goal.