A note from Harker librarians . . .
The Harker community understands the scientifically documented benefits of reading. In addition to building vocabulary, writing and communication skills, readers are more civically engaged, are better able to mitigate stress and live longer. (Sullivan and Brown, 2013).
Research also tells us that the positive results of reading are increased when readers are able to self-select titles and engage in reading for pleasure. “The research base on student-selected reading is robust and conclusive. Students read more, understand more, and are more likely to continue reading when they have the opportunity to choose what they read.” (Allington and Gabriel, 2012). Further, Guthrie and Humenick’s 2004 study concludes “self-selected reading is twice as powerful as teacher-selected reading in developing motivation and comprehension.”
Research has also made evident that comprehension from reading text and listening to audio is equivalent and that audiobooks strengthen comprehension in young readers and auditory learners. (Rogowski, Calhoun and Talall, 2016).
Harker librarians have designed summer reading programs that build on this scholarship regarding reading and learning. To become life-long readers, students must have the opportunity to exercise choice in their reading selections. The increased availability of fiction and non-fiction titles in audio, eBook and print formats exponentially increase our students’ access to books. Our summer reading programs are committed to reinforcing students’ positive reading experiences by incorporating choice and permitting a variety of mediums.
Read on!
Mrs. Clark, Mrs. Atterholt, Mr. Morrissey, Ms. Pelman, Mrs. Cranston, Mr. Murray and Mrs. Vaughan
Welcome!
Harker’s Summer Reading has two parts:
1. Reading for Language Arts or English classes
2. Pleasure reading programs designed by your librarians
The Harker community loves reading. As individuals, we start very early and continue far beyond school. As a community, we find opportunities to share books formally, in classes, and informally through conversation and sharing.
It is the goal of Harker librarians to feed our community’s passion for reading by creating programs and connecting young people with a never-ending supply of wonderful books. Also, we encourage free choice and exploratory reading at all grade levels. As author Neil Gaiman once said, “You’ll find what you need. Just read.”
To find information appropriate for each grade level, click on the corresponding tab above.
Read on!
Lauri J. Vaughan
Library Director
The Harker School
US ReCreate Reading Link
ReCreate Reading is Harker Upper School's Summer Pleasure Reading Program for grades 10 - 12. Check out what teachers and students are reading on the ReCreate Reading website.
Sora app
Sora uses Google Single Sign On (SSO) and redirects to a Google login page. To access titles, attach the suffix <@students.harker.org> to your Harker username. (For example Harker username 22SamD becomes Sora username 22SamD@students.harker.org.) Your Harker password and Sora password are identical.
Students rising to grades TK-3 and all new students will receive an email on June 15th including their Harker username and password.
Having trouble logging in? Please contact SummerReading@harker.org.
Accessing eBooks and audiobooks from Sora is not a requirement of the summer reading program.
Harker librarians also recommend investigating remote access to eBooks and audio books through your local public library.