2020 Cal Summer Reading Challenge

 

Thank You 2020 Readers! 2021 Reading Challenge Info Coming Soon!


ABOUT THE READING CHALLENGE

Former Golden Bear running back Patrick Laird, now of the Miami Dolphins, started the reading challenge in 2018 to encourage students to continue reading over the summer. The challenge inspired a community of readers and culminated in a great experience for everyone at Cal’s opening game. In 2019, Mike Saffell took up his mantle and for the second year in a row over 2000 students earned tickets to come watch Cal Football. We are working to grow the challenge further in 2020.

We are fortunate to have the support of Cal Athletics to fight summer learning loss. Cal will provide 2 free tickets to the Cal Poly game (September 12) to all students who complete the Summer Reading Challenge.

All students who are entering 1st through 6th grade are invited to complete the challenge. We encourage everyone to share their participation with the Reading Challenge by posting online using the hashtag #ReadWithBears.

Twitter: @readbears 
Instagram: @calbearsread

Update Regarding Reading Challenge During COVID-19

This challenge is a great way to stay engaged and keep learning while we’re all staying home. We know that many young students and teachers are struggling to gain access to books and materials for learning. In order to provide access to this content, Cal Athletes will be posting read alongs for students on Youtube and other social media platforms. As the challenge progresses, we will be highlighting a Reader of the Week each week. Parents can submit pictures of their students completing the challenge with a brief description to the email provided below. In addition, we are available to present to classes over videoconferencing by teacher request. Educators and parents can contact us at: readwithcal@gmail.com for further information on the ways we can bring this learning opportunity to your classroom!

READ WITH THE BEARS  

 



 

STATISTICS ON SUMMER LEARNING LOSS

Summer learning loss refers to the decline in children's reading development that occurs during summer vacation when children are away from the classroom. 

READING PROFICIENCY DECLINE

Summer reading during the summer months is tremendously important to student success. 
  • More than two months of reading skills can be lost over the summer vacation period
  • Students who show up in fall with declined reading proficiency levels fall farther behind than students who maintain or gain in reading proficiency throughout the summer months
  • Declines can compound, resulting in over two years worth of lost reading development by 6th grade

THE GOOD NEWS

Summer learning loss can be fully overcome by encouraging students to read over the summer. 
  • Reading just 4-6 books over the summer can help eliminate Summer Learning Loss
  • Letting students choose their own books makes them more likely to read over the summer
    • It's important students find the right books based on their interests and reading level. Find the right book using the Lexile Framework for Reading's "Find A Book" tool.
  • Creating a structure for students as well as providing incentives can motivate kids to achieve their summer reading goals
    • Walk On Then Run is looking to build a community of readers this summer to help kids achieve their goals as well as provide tips for parents along the way.
 
 

COMPLETING THE CHALLENGE

1st and 2nd Grade – Read at least 4 books this summer and receive 2 tickets to Cal's game against Cal Poly on September 12.*
3rd through 6th Grade – Read at least 6 books this summer and receive 2 tickets to Cal's game against Cal Poly on September 12.*
 
After signing up, parents will receive a summer reading log via email in May. The log will serve as an official voucher for the tickets. After completing the challenge and filling out the journal, students and their families can turn it in to the Cal Ticket Office at California Memorial Stadium* to receive their tickets. Contact the Athletic Ticket Office by phone at 1-800-GOBEARS (462-3277) or email at ato@berkeley.edu for any questions related to completing the Challenge.

*Subject to change due to ongoing public safety measures.

Additional tickets may be purchased alongside the 2 tickets received for completing the challenge. If multiple students from the same household complete the challenge, an additional 2 tickets will be awarded per additional participant.