Connecting Communities: A Beyond the Blog Podcast - Episode 5: Summer Learning: A Season of Discovery with Karen Windon and Beth Duda

In this episode, Laurie sits down with Beth Duda and Karen Windon to explore how summer can be a time of learning, growth, and connection, not lost progress. From simple tools like the Five Finger Rule to powerful programs like THIS BOOK IS COOL! and the Suncoast Summer Reading Challenge, they share how families and communities are helping children stay engaged and excited about reading all summer long.

Timestamps

• 00:27 - Introduction
• 02:14 -  Karen discusses her approach to summer learning and how she invites people in
• 03:09 - Karen talks about the ways SCGLR supports families during the summer months (SSRC, TBIC)
• 07:40 - Karen shares how families and organizations can get involved
• 08:57 - Karen shares a story that captures the spirit of her work
• 10:49 - Karen shares tips on how to keep learning fun all summer long
• 13:35 -  Beth discusses why summer learning is such a vital focus for SCGLR
• 19:42 - Beth gives pointers on how to determine your child’s reading level
• 20:52 - Beth breaks down “The 5 Finger Rule”
• 22:48 - Beth talks about SCGLR’s signature programs, THIS BOOK IS COOL! and SUNCOAST SUMMER READING CHALLENGE
• 26:23 - Big Picture Small Steps
• 26:37 - Beth Shares her biggest aspiration for SCGLR
• 27:26 - Beth boils it down to one step parents can do to help support summer learning
• 29:46 - Connecting with Kids

Links to Learn More 

• SCGLR Website
• THIS BOOK IS COOL! Webisodes 
• Suncoast Summer Reading Challenge + This Kid is Cool! Music Video
• Learning Heroes
• SCGLR Calendar for Family Engagement Events 
• Volunteer with SCGLR
• Blog: Summer Learning: Beating the Summer Slide One Book at a Time

Connect Beyond The Blog

• Beth on Instagram @bethduda10 or X @duda_beth
• Karen on X @KarenWindon

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