We all know the importance of children having a strong foundation in reading. In many cases, the cause of students struggling academically in middle and high school can be traced back to their reading success in elementary school.
We have placed a high priority on having each of our K-2
students reading on grade level by the time they are in third grade in the year
2020. To meet this goal, we have implemented several programs in kindergarten,
first and second grades.
We have introduced a new literacy program through the American
Reading Company which focuses on individualizing literacy instruction for every
K-2 student. Teachers are working with
their students, tracking their literacy progress, and introducing literacy strategies
to move students from where they are to where they need to be. The program
incorporates more non-fiction reading, as well as writing, to ensure students
are covering all the components of literacy.
We kicked-off the new reading program with a campaign to get
them excited about reading. We placed
banners in the schools announcing Reading is my SuperPower!
Who doesn’t love super heroes? We want our students to realize the impact
and power of being a good reader. The
schools have taken this theme further with the building administrators becoming
“caped crusaders” and the students earning their own capes as they meet certain
benchmarks.
We also started a “Reading Across Isle of Wight County” activity
with our K-2 students. Big banners with
a map of the county and all 9 schools are hanging in Carrollton, Carrsville,
Hardy and Windsor elementary schools.
Students record the number of books they read during the
nine weeks. A certain number of books
equals “steps” on the map. They map
their journey throughout the year to all the schools in the division. When the students reach a school, they get to
see a special video from the administrator of that school welcoming them and
congratulating them on all of their hard work. We love to celebrate our students’
accomplishments!
Another important part of developing student literacy is
providing students opportunities to hear books read to them. We know there can be a great disparity
regarding children being read to outside of school. To emphasize the importance of reading, all
Central Office employees serve as Reading Buddies to several students in
kindergarten through second grade. Every
week, each staff member meets with their students for 30 minutes and spends
time building a positive relationship by reading to them. This is a commitment from every Central Office
person—administrators, secretaries, technicians—everyone! Our actions show the
importance we place on reading; it isn’t just lip service. To see pictures of our Reading Buddies, just
click on the Reading Buddies link below.
Since we started our focus on reading in the fall, we are
already seeing a different culture throughout our schools. Students are excited; teachers are excited;
there’s a whole new energy in the schools.
Even our students' families are reading with their children for 30
minutes each night. But the real test will be seeing our students become
accomplished readers. We owe it to them
to ensure they receive the necessary foundation to prepare them to be college,
career and life ready.
