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SummerTutoring

Learn About Our

How Does It Work?

SUMMER TUTORING PROGRAM
Program Dates: July 8 - August 1, 2024

 

Reading Bridge is offered at several different library locations around Sioux Falls and the neighboring areas. Students commit to attending eight (8), 1-hour sessions in a 4-week period with a qualified, trained tutor.

 

It is a great opportunity to give your student extra support and motivation during the long summer months! 

SESSIONS 

The instructional hour format is broken into 5 parts:


1. Reading a book TO the students
2. Reading a book
WITH the students
3. Writing/sharing writing with the students

4. Phonics/word making activities

5. Helping students check out appropriate library books

    *Students must use their own library card to check out library books.      

1.

Recent survey results indicated that 97% of our parents were overwhelmingly satisfied with the Reading Bridge program and recommend it to others. (Best results are achieved when students attend all 8 sessions). 

2.

Our program began in 2001 with a few students attending in the basement of a caring Sioux Falls Educator / Reading Specialist. In 2006, the program was held in a local branch of the Siouxland Libraries with 29 students and 7 tutors. Since then, we have continued to serve more and more students! Our goal is to serve 700 students in several public libraries by 2025.

3.

With help from a generous sponsor, individual donations and the Sioux Falls Area Community Foundation, this program continues to be offered FREE of charge to any child (1st -5th grade) who would like to attend as availability allows. 

The Facts

Numerous professional studies reveal that summer months deter reading/writing growth in children. Public School students, from spring to fall, can sometimes show almost a one-level drop in reading level scores. 

 

Many students lack professional instruction during the summer months as well as access to a library or availability of quality literature at home. Reading Bridge Summer Tutoring Program is a unique program that targets students to prevent just such Summer Learning Loss. 

 

OUR MISSION: To minimize Summer Learning Loss by offering summer literacy tutoring instruction (at no cost) for elementary-aged students in the Sioux Falls area.

Reading Bridge helps deter Summer Learning Loss, helping students from all walks of life stay prepared and motivated to learn when school begins in the fall.

In 2000, researcher Peter Johnson wrote about what made summer reading programs most effective: utilizing libraries, having trained tutors, being cost-effective for families, and emphasizing FUN!  

 

Yes, fun was a researched requirement for an effective program! Reading Bridge contains all of these elements. 

Both of our children had improvements on their fall MAPS Reading Test after attending and their teachers commented as to how they must have made reading a priority over the summer. We are so thankful for this summer tutoring program!

April B. - parent

  Our Hosts

Brandon Community Library
305 S. Splitrock Blvd. Brandon, SD

Caille Library

4100 South Carnegie Cir.

Sioux Falls, SD

Hartford Public Library

119 N. Main Ave.

Hartford, SD

Madison Public Library

209 Center Street East

Madison, SD

Oak View Library

3700 East 3rd Street

Sioux Falls, SD

Prairie West Library

7630 West 26th Street

Sioux Falls, SD

Ronning Library

3100 East 49th Street

Sioux Fall, SD

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