Bobcat Blog

Congratulations, RCLS graduates! Earlier this week, RCLS celebrated the 8^th-grade Class of 2019 with a formal commencement ceremony. Just before her graduation, one student sat down to consider her RCLS experience, which began in Kindergarten. Her reflections, prompted by our questions, are here.

For all of the intellectual, social-emotional, and spiritual benefits that reading aloud renders for school-aged children, RCLS wants to encourage parents to make this a summer of reading, not just for your child but with your child. There are plenty of great titles out there, and we offer here a short list of recommended titles that may get you started. Pick a book, grab a chair––at home, at the lake, on the beach––and read together!

These reads are recommended with a variety of RCLS students in mind––some reluctant readers, some avid bibliophiles––but all of these narratives are “good” in that they are about that which is true. In every case, these are books beloved by RCLS teachers and students who have read them, and they promise to lend understanding that broadens your student’s perspective or reinforces her embrace of goodness. Peruse this list for titles your middle schooler might enjoy this summer, visit the library or local bookstore, and get him reading. Even better, maybe you’ll want to read alongside (or with) her, too. Enjoy!

No matter what difficulty you may be facing or what challenges may arise, take solace in the reminder of the birds that are singing, the grass that is growing, and the flowers that are blooming. Let these be tangible reminders to you after this long winter that hope springs eternal.