Summer should be a time of heading to the beach with friends and playing capture the flag in the yard until the streetlights come on. However, research suggests that it should also be a time for learning. Summer learning loss, sometimes referred to as the “summer slide,” is a loss of academic achievement students experience during the summer. Schools should implement summer reading programs to help combat this summer setback. Engaging summer reading programs help to foster lifelong readers. Reading over the summer helps children keep their literacy skills up, and with a broader selection of books, the program can pique the interest of reluctant readers.

What is the author's purpose?
to show the ineffectiveness of summer reading programs in schools
to show the ineffectiveness of summer reading programs in schools

to outline the components of a strong summer reading program
to outline the components of a strong summer reading program

to show the benefits of summer reading programs in schools
to show the benefits of summer reading programs in schools

to explain how children should spend their summers

to show the benefits of summer reading programs in schools