Hungry Readers Need Delicious Books To Help Them Grow

Funded Mar 13, 2013

A truly heartfelt thank-you is sent to all those who helped to stock my kindergarten class with more age appropriate reading books, and a cabinet to hold the large and small books. The students were very excited to see the additional books inside the book bins. Each one began to collect and store the books inside their own special plastic bag kept inside his or her desk.

Students would read their books through-out the day in large and small groups, as well as individually. As part of our reading routine, students were asked to select at least 2 "just right books", that is, books at their reading level. What I saw the students doing was collecting many more than the two books. For some, their bags were filled to capacity with the books that caught their interest. I would periodically hear the comment, "This is my favorite book!"

During reading workshop, which is the time during the day students focused on improving their reading skills, students were asked to read their books, and then reread them for a specific purpose. For example, the students were asked to reread their books and to find a page with a tricky word (a word he or she could not read). Using skills learned earlier, the student would then use this knowledge to pronounce the new word. Also during reading workshop, students were asked to share their books with their reading buddy and/or to share with their buddy whatever he or she found during his or her purpose for reading. Tricky words were shared with their reading buddy; or the reading buddy would help to pronounce the new word.

The cabinet was beneficial in several ways. The part of the cabinet that held the large books was extremely helpful, especially during the large group read aloud. Prior to having the cabinet, I had to put the large book on a chair and solicit the help of students to hold the book steady so that the students could see the pictures and words as I read the pages, and to prevent it from falling as the pages were turned. It was very much easier to put the book on the cabinet stand, not worry about it falling, and for students to see the pictures and to read the words. It was also easier for students to take charge and lead their classmates in a retell of the story. The cabinet offered an organized appearance for the placement of the books. The students could readily find a particular book bin, and could easily find where to return it.

Because of your generosity, my class ended this year with a greater excitement about books. Your thoughtfulness will also extend into the coming years, as my new students will have more books to read and enjoy, and a cabinet on which to hold and display these books. Thank-you very much for considering the needs of the children and, for helping us complete this year with a satisfied appetite for reading.”

With gratitude,

Ms. Turner