"Let's Read. Let's Move" preps kids to say "I think I can"

My first job was teaching school, and I have four kids and nine grandkids. So I know a little bit about reading aloud to children. And I love it.

That's why it was such a pleasure to join Secretary of Education Arne Duncan for a "Let's Read. Let's Move" session. We were met by nearly a hundred kids from the Arts and Technology Academy's summer program, and they were great listeners as I read one of my favorites, Platt & Munk's classic, "The Little Engine That Could."

Now I welcome any opportunity to return to the classroom, but reading this tale--whose origins date back over 100 years--provides a particularly useful springboard for kids into discussions of the Let's Read. Let's Move themes: strong minds, healthy foods, and good, physical activity.

Plus, as the kids yesterday were quick to point out, the little engine also shows the importance of good, safe transportation!

And when you're sitting next to a Secretary of Education, who the kids know has played basketball with President Obama, you can use any advantage at your disposal, even a little blue engine whose famous mantra is "I think I can."

The "Let's Read. Let's Move" program is a terrific idea to help school kids bridge the summertime gap in education. It's part of President Obama’s national volunteer campaign, “United We Serve,” which has challenged Americans to engage in sustained, meaningful service activities in their communities this summer.

We know that during summer vacation students often surrender some of the gains they make during the school year. We also know that summer's heat often keeps kids indoors, glued to their video games and television screens. At home, they have more opportunities to snack during the day. In fact, some studies indicate that children can gain weight three times faster during the summer months.

So keeping kids engaged in reading and promoting physical activity that exercises and strengthens their bodies are pursuits that lead to fun, better health, and good preparation for another school year.

Thanking a great host, Secretary of Education Arne Duncan

I know it's not easy, particularly when the outdoor temperature is approaching triple digits. But "United We Serve" has a website full of fun ways Americans can help keep our kids prepared for school and prepared for life. Whether it's reading to kids or teaching them how to ride a bike or--following the First Lady's example--working in a community or backyard garden, the opportunities are there.

And, I can attest, the kids respond. Yesterday they asked all sorts of questions about the story, about my job, about the President. They're enthusiastic. They don't want to be ignored; they want to be engaged.

All we need are a few little blue engines to step up and help pull those train cars to the other side of the mountain.

Comments

[Michael E. Bailey]

Lets Read, Lets Move is a great program. Mission Viejo Library calls its version Summer Reading Program and with each school student able to check out as many as 20 books on a library card we are breaking records all the time. On the first day of Summer Reading on the 25th of June, 3,000 books were checked out on that one day and 75 new library card applications processed. This past Tuesday that record was broken when 6,000 books were checked out in one day. And we have 20% more students in the Summer Reading Program this year than last year setting a new enrollment record for the program. Our school districts are not able to afford the kind of summer school proprams they could provide in past years so students who read a certain number of books can get summer school credit from the school districts. And if they read alot, they can win things like a new bicycle. The Summer Reading Program has had other benefits as well. Graffiti is way down on the Oso Creek Trail this year as is other kinds of vandalism and general litter. Best wishes, Michael E. Bailey.

[mary lopez]

Excellent Program! Thank You for sharing!