A New Chapter for Summer Learning in Waco
The sound of pages turning has replaced the silence of summer learning loss in Waco housing communities, thanks to an innovative partnership between local organizations and community leaders. This initiative is helping children maintain their reading skills and continue their educational journey during the summer months.
Sarah West, School Readiness and Family Resource Coordinator for Transformation Waco, emphasized the importance of this program. She explained that the Transformation Waco Family Center provides a safe and supportive environment where children can explore books without fear of judgment. “I think having that safe space where they know they’re not gonna be judged if they’re a little bit behind on reading,” said West. This sense of security is crucial for young learners who may feel hesitant to engage with reading materials.
The summer reading program addresses a common challenge faced by many families: the “summer slide.” Research indicates that children can lose up to two months of reading skills during the summer break. However, this collaborative effort is ensuring that Waco kids keep their literary momentum going strong. By offering structured activities and access to books, the program helps prevent learning loss and keeps children engaged with reading.
West shared that the kids are enthusiastic about the program. “They have had a really good time,” she said. “We usually have to kind of push them out the door because they’re having so much fun.” The program’s ability to make reading enjoyable is a key factor in its success. Parents also appreciate the support it provides. “I know for quite a few parents it’s very helpful,” West added.
The mission of the program is straightforward yet impactful: get books into children’s hands, build their home libraries, and most importantly, reignite their passion for reading. By bringing literacy resources directly to housing authority communities, the initiative removes barriers that might otherwise keep kids from accessing quality reading materials during the critical summer months.
For families in Waco Housing Authority properties, this partnership represents more than just summer programming—it’s an investment in their children’s educational future. By keeping reading skills sharp and enthusiasm high, the initiative helps ensure students return to school ready to learn and grow.
This program is making sure the only thing kids are sliding into this summer is their next big story. Through continued efforts and community support, the program is setting a positive example for how collaboration can create meaningful change in education. As the summer progresses, the impact of this initiative will likely extend far beyond the season, influencing the long-term academic success of participating children.
