Annual summer reading list encourages family field trips

TALLAHASSEE With the start of summer vacation, Florida's Department of Education and Department of Environmental Protection have teamed up to show families how to have fun learning on their own terms.

The DOE's annual recommended summer reading list is heavy this year on materials that feed the mind and whet the imagination about various ecological settings, in particular the natural beauty and adventure that can be found in many of Florida's state parks.

"Students can continue their learning in fun ways by reading about and exploring our state parks during the summer months," said Education Commissioner Dr. Eric J. Smith in a press release. "I encourage families to take the time to celebrate Florida's rich and diverse backdrop through literacy; not only this summer, but throughout the year."

Working with other agencies is nothing new, Doug Tobin, press secretary for the DEP said, adding that in this case, the timing and mutual goals made this an easy fit.

Last year, when gas was hovering around $4 a gallon and "staycation" was the summer's trendy term, the DEP set about to create the Rediscover Florida - 100 Ways in 100 Days campaign, designed to show families how to make the most of the wide variety of inexpensive, natural entertainment at state parks.

Meanwhile, as research indicates that children who do not continue to read during the summer months risk losing about a month's worth of progress made during the school year, the DOE puts out its list every year to encourage children to keep at the books. It didn't take much of a stretch to see the potential in recommending books that would inspire and enhance family outings.

"Summer is the perfect time for students to expand their literary horizons and become engaged in protecting the environment by reading about the outdoors," said DEP Secretary Michael Sole in a press release."

Tobin said the DOE took the lead in creating the list, taking suggestions from the DEP, with the idea being to include books for each age group that directly cover topics that can be the inspiration for a family day trip at one or more state parks. For instance, if a third-grader reads "Henry the Impatient Heron" by Donna Love and then visits Anastasia State Park in St. Augustine, or a fifth-grader reads "Island of the Blue Dolphins" by Scott O'Dell and then sees dolphins while at Long Key State Park in Long Key, they will combine the academic experience of reading with real-life experiences.

To view DOE's summer reading list, visit www.justreadfamilies.org. To learn more about the Rediscover Florida campaign, visit www.dep.state.fl.us and click "Rediscover Florida."

"There are endless opportunities; the list is just one tool," Tobin said. "With 160 parks there's a place in everyone's back yard."