Fostering reading with a summer literacy unit for elementary students

This paper contains an instructional unit designed for teaching elementary students who struggle with reading comprehension. The literacy strategies that comprise the unit are grounded in the relevant research-based literature that is cited and referenced in the paper. Methods for instructional delivery are included as well as detailed lessons. Literacy strategy lessons were developed to connect fiction and non-fiction mentor texts with written responses. Discussion of multicultural literature is suggested as an engagement strategy to encourage voluntary summer reading. Student access to high-interest reading material as well as free-choice were major components affecting elementary students\u27 reading development and growth during summer months