By Autumn Child, Arizona State University, Family and Human Development (M.S.), Parents2Partners intern.
During my internship, I attended a storytelling masterclass led by Parents2Partners founder Leila Kubesch, who showed how storytelling builds literacy and cultural connection. She challenged each intern to tell a story of our own.
What is the summer slide?
The “summer slide” is the drop in reading skills many children experience over summer break when they are not in school. Reading aloud and telling stories together are simple, joyful ways to keep literacy skills strong.
A story that connects cultures
I chose Mamá and Me by Arthur Dorros, a warm story about the bond between a mother and child that brings together English and Spanish. Mother’s Day is celebrated in both the United States and Mexico, and this book honors that love across cultures. My own mother is one of my greatest inspirations, and I look forward to sharing this story with my students.
Keep the stories going this summer
- Read aloud together every day, even for ten minutes.
- Choose books that reflect your family’s languages and cultures.
- Invite your child to retell the story in their own words.
- Visit your local library for free summer reading programs.