"What did you do on your summer vacation?

Unfortunately, for many children, the answer is "I forgot."

Did you know that children who don't read during the summer months lose ground by the fall? This "summer reading drop-off" has a predictable, corrosive impact on student achievement, particularly for disadvantaged kids. Summer reading activity can help students maintain their school year gains, catch up to grade level, or even get ahead! That's why a grassroots movement is sweeping America to get children reading daily, especially during the summer.

Children who are deprived of enriching summer experiences lose the most academic ground. But summer learning loss affects all students. When teachers must spend four to six weeks at the beginning of each school year reviewing, there is less time to introduce new lessons. Child literacy activists across the nation are tackling this issue in creative ways, through book challenges, library programs, reading camps, bookmobiles, and reading games at fire stations, bookstores and zoos.

The America Reads Challenge supports projects in every state to promote summer reading to tens of thousands of children. The eight week Read *Write*Now! program pairs adult learning partners with young readers. Each child is encouraged to:

* Read for 30 minutes daily, at least once a week with an adult.

* Learn a vocabulary word each day.

* Obtain and use a library card.

Upon completion of Read * Write *Now!, each child earns a coupon for a free pizza at Pizza Hut. Other reading programs offer incentives through sports teams, museums and local merchants.

Reading daily with a child is the most important contribution you can make to his academic growth. Here are some fun ideas to help a child to read this summer.

* Call the US Department of Education at 1-800-USA-LEARN for free activity kits. For children from birth through grade six, order Read *Write *Now!, with bookmark, certificate and pizza coupon. For children from birth through age 5, order Ready * Set * Read! for fun ideas and a free calendar and growth chart.

*Visit the library. Allow your children to choose books that interest them, perhaps with fun summer themes such as baseball, traveling, wildlife, and hobbies. Schedule family activities that explore these themes, such as nature walks or sporting events.

*Don't take a vacation from reading! Books on tape are available for free at your public library. Bring some along to play in the car while traveling. Encourage your child to read books on your vacation.

*Write to a pen pal. Encourage your child to write to a far-away friend or relative over the summer, helping as needed to address and mail it. Share the excitement of receiving and reading letters written back to your child.

* Demonstrate the uses of reading. Help your child to read and follow a fun food recipe, such as cookies or pancakes. Read directions and use a map on a trip. Write a grocery list and read it together as you shop.

*Limit television. Kids who watch too much TV often don't read enough, so limit summer viewing. Encourage reading of the TV listings in the paper or TV Guide. Watch programs together and discuss what you've seen. Rent videos based on books.

*Be creative. Have your child write and illustrate a book about herself. Begin telling a story, and have your child provide the ending. Write down family stories and traditions and read them together. Gather your child's friends to read a favorite book, then play games based on the story.

Your example has a very significant influence on your children. Let them see you reading, and they will have a more positive attitude. If you know a child whose parents cannot help them to read this summer, offer to assist. Once school starts, remember that reading daily is still important to your child's school success.

"What did you do on your summer vacation?" Help your child to answer with enthusiasm. "I learned!"

Carol Rasco is director of the America Reads Challenge, President Clinton's initiative to ensure that all children are good readers by the end of third grade.

www.ed.gov/inits/americareads