May Your Mind Blossom with Books

May is here—bursting with blooms, sunshine, and that sweet countdown to summer! As a teacher with over ten years of experience working with bright-eyed learners in grades 1 through 3, this time of year always fills me with a mix of excitement and reflection. One thing I’ve learned across a decade in the classroom? Reading is the game changer.

No matter a child’s reading level or learning style, building strong literacy skills is the key that unlocks their confidence, creativity, and future success. I’ve seen students who started the year unsure of their letters finish as fluent readers because someone—whether a teacher, aide, or parent—believed in them and took the time to read with them regularly.

And that brings me to one of the most important things you can do as a parent this summer: read with your child for at least 20 minutes a day.

Yes—just 20 minutes! It’s not just about keeping them busy or checking off a box. It’s about showing them that reading is fun, bonding with them over stories, and reinforcing what they've learned during the school year.

Here’s why it matters:

• Research from the National Center for Education Statistics shows that children who are read to at least three times a week are almost twice as likely to score in the top 25% in reading compared to children who are read to less frequently.

• A report from the Annie E. Casey Foundation found that third graders who read proficiently are four times more likely to graduate high school than those who don’t.

• Reading aloud builds vocabulary, strengthens comprehension, and—believe it or not—boosts empathy!

So, this May, as we head into the warmth and wonder of summer, I challenge you: make reading a daily delight. Create cozy reading corners, bring books to the beach, let your child read menus, maps, or even cereal boxes. The world is full of words waiting to be explored!

Your child’s ability doesn’t define their potential. But your support? That can make all the difference.

Happy Reading!