Impact of Library-Based Summer Reading Clubs on Primary-Grade Children's Literacy Activities and Achievement

摘要

The purpose of this study was to examine the literacy activities and achievements of primary-grade children participating in summer reading clubs (SRC) and determine whether participation in SRC impacted primary-grade children's literacy activities and achievements. To address these research aims, 90 second- and third-grade children were randomly assigned to either a treatment (Marathon) or control (Sprint) group. Children and their caregivers completed questionnaires on children's literacy activities, and children's achievements were measured using direct assessment of their decoding and reading comprehension skills. Results of this study suggested that primary-grade children who elect to participate in SRC engage in frequent literacy activities and are average decoders and comprehenders. Participation in SRC does not seem to impact children's literacy activities or achievements. However, by the end of the summer, all children made significant gains in reading comprehension. Implications including how to increase the effectiveness of SRC are discussed.