Jerry Jones

Natrona County Public Library.

Now that the school year has come to an end, our thoughts have turned to summer. Even without kids at home, I find myself trying to spend as much time outside as possible, taking advantage of Wyoming's seemingly short season of warm days and cool nights.

As you're planning that summer schedule for your kids, don't forget to allow time for reading. It's important for kids to continue reading through the summer to help them avoid what experts call the 'summer slide,' losing the skills they have already learned because they don't spend time reading during summer vacation.

'It's common for teachers to spend at least a month reteaching material that students have forgotten over the summer. That month of reteaching eliminates a month that could have been spent on teaching new information and skills," says a November 2002 report from Johns Hopkins Center for Summer Learning. Setting aside some time each day for reading helps children keep their reading skills active, and studies show that kids who read more are more successful academically.

Here are a few suggestions for encouraging summer reading from Reading is Fundamental (http://www.rif.org), one of the nation's oldest and largest nonprofit literacy organizations for children and families:

* Combine books with activities your child is interested in.

* Lead by example. Let your children see you reading.

* Talk it up. Talk to your kids about what you are reading, and they may soon start to do the same.

* Help kids find time to read.

* Relax the rules for summer. Let your kids read what, when and how they please. Let them stay up just a little bit later'if they are reading.

* Have plenty of reading material around.

* Read aloud with your kids.

* Visit your local library.

Here in Natrona County, you will find your library has summer reading programs and activities for everyone in your family. Children preschool through sixth grade can participate in 'Be Creative @ Your Library.' The fun began June 3 and continues through July 31, with children reading books to earn prizes and discovering a summer filled with activities to stretch their imaginations.

We'll be setting the stage for magicians, puppeteers and entertainers galore, as well as spotlighting weekly Storytimes for the wee-est of readers. Tweens are encouraged to get into the act with programs designed specifically to inspire their imaginations.

Students entering grades 7 to 12 are encouraged to participate in 'Express Yourself.' In addition to earning prizes for documenting their time spent reading, teens will discover opportunities to let loose their creativity and imagination.

Wyoming artists, authors, and poets will reveal the tricks of the trade, and 'Make and Take' crafternoons will combine the art of being green with the creation of personal masterpieces. Those with a flair for drama will squeal with excitement for a Teen Movie Night screening of "Twilight," and Harry Potter fanatics will find it equally fitting to conclude a rewarding summer by celebrating J.K. Rowling's birthday on July 31.

Parents, you can keep track of your reading time right along with the kids. We have a program designed especially for you where you can earn one of our creative coffee mugs and chances to win one of four $50 gift certificates. You can get more information on all of these programs at any NCPL branch, from the Bookmobile or by logging on to our Web site, http://natronacountylibrary.org

Summer reading can be fun, rewarding and challenging for everyone in the family, but most importantly, it prevents that summer slide. When school starts again, your kids will be able to pick up right where they left off.

* Even Start Summer Program: Begins June 15 for families with children 7 and under who qualify for the Casper Even Start. Parents can earn their GED and learn English while their children are in class. Transportation is available. For more information, call Casper Even Start at 472-5640 or 472-5416.

* Strengthening Families: Classes are from 6 to 8:30 p.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays June 9 through June 25 at Seton House.

* Make Parenting a Pleasure: Classes are 6 to 7:30 p.m. Mondays June 15 through July 20 at ARC of Natrona County.

* Love and Logic Parenting: Presented by Nutrition and Child Development, this class features hands-on tools to make parenting easier. Call Theresa at 237-1496 or e-mail trishazeller@wyoncd.org for more information. To learn more about the program, visit www.loveandlogic.com.

* Mercer House's 'Baby Steps': A support and educational-play group for parents of children birth to 5 years old. 3:30 to 5 p.m. every Monday. Call facilitator Kathy Herter at 265-7366 for information.

* Online parenting class: "Parenting Wisely," sponsored by Mercer House. For parents of children 8 to 18 years old. Teaches assertive discipline, using "I" statements, contracting with your teen, active listening and more. It also includes three support group sessions. Call facilitator Debbie Mueller at 265-7366 for more information.

* Red Cross classes: American Red Cross of Natrona County offers classes in CPR, First Aid, baby-sitter training and more. For information, call 237-8436.

* Parent-education seminar: The Wyoming Children�s Access Network provides parent-education seminars for divorcing, separated, and never-married parents. The one-time, four-hour seminar is provided monthly in Casper and other cities around the state. Grandparents, aunts, uncles and other adults close to the children are welcome to attend. There is a nominal fee that may be waived upon request, based on need. Preregistration is required 24 hours in advance.�Call 866-726-3700.

* UPLIFT Fathers' Focus Group: Meets from 1 to 2:30 p.m. on the fourth Saturday of each month in the UPLIFT office at 145 S. Durbin St. Suite 201. UPLIFT provides support, education and advocacy for families with children who struggle with emotional, behavioral and mental disorders. www.upliftwy.org.]]->