United Way's 'Day of Action' to prevent 'summer slide'
Ashley Cabrera: Volunteer Engagement
For 2016's Day of Action, United Way headed to Fallon, NV on June 21st to fight the  summer slide with kids at the SUMFUN Day Camp Program put on by Churchill County's Parks and Recreation Department. We planned a 'Super Hero' themed day, bringing a copy of Meet the Marvel Super Heroes book for every child to take home.
Wendy Greenwell (Washington Federal) helps sound out words.
Along with a couple of volunteers from Washington Federal and an AmeriCorps VISTA member, we started the morning with a group reading activity. Little hands flew up in the air as kids were eager to read out loud next!  We then gave the kids a writing prompt asking them to dream up their 'super hero selves.' 
The imagination was pouring out onto paper, as they wrote about the super powers they would have, what costume colors they'd choose and what their  super hero name would be. We wrapped the day with arts & crafts stations for the kids to design their very own capes and shields from paper plates. It was incredible to see how much engagement and creativity came out of one book. The day proved that there are endless ways to make reading a fun experience for all this summer! --- Ashley Cabrera

Get involved!
Contact Ashley Cabrera: 775-325-8905 or ashley.cabrera@uwnns.org

What's so important about the 'summer slide'? 
The summer months mark a child's vacation from school and homework, but learning should never take a break. According to a 2012 study by the Journal of Education for Students Placed at Risk, reading is an effective activity to prevent the loss of skills gained in the classroom during the summer months, known as the summer slide. Through our partnerships and volunteer projects, we work together to empower families in our community with tools to encourage a child's learning year-round. 

'Family Reading Program' at the Lemelson STEM Academy

Children even get to take home books for their 'home libraries.'
"Thank you for showing us how to talk about the book and what questions to ask. I liked getting bilingual books because I am able to read to my daughter in Spanish and she is a
ble to read to me in English!"
34 parents and 46 children participated in the fun and educational program presented by the Northern Nevada Literacy Council in March (a United Way Funded Program). 
Parents learned how to work  with their children to gain new literacy skills, and how to continue building on these skills at home.
Our mission is 'to link the community's will and resources to improve lives.'
United Way of Northern Nevada and the Sierra is incorporated in the state of Nevada.  
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United Way of Northern Nevada and the Sierra | 775-322-8668 | uwnns.org