Reading Promotes Literacy

            For my Mixed Bag assignment, I chose the topic of reading itself and how through reading, literacy is promoted. Statistics have shown over the years just how important reading is in one's development. The more one reads, the more knowledgeable they will become over time. The old saying is true...Knowledge is Power! Reading helps increase comprehension levels, critical thinking skills, and through guided reading, one learns how to become an independent reader. I have always loved to read since I was a little girl. Most of the time I could be found with my nose buried in a book. Reading afforded me the opportunity to go on exciting adventures, feel connected to the characters, increase my vocabulary, and most of all, it created a passion inside of me to want to help other children learn how to read so they may reap all the benefits I have and more for a brighter future!

In the Beginning...

            I have many happy memories where reading is concerned. As a young girl, I loved to read, and could always be found with my nose buried in a book.

         One of my favorite reading memories happened around Christmastime during the late 1970’s, when I was in eighth grade or so. Opening Christmas presents was always an exciting time, but this year was extra special for me. I was surprised to find not only one, but two chapter books among my presents. I got Sheila the Great, by Judy Blume, and another chapter book on the Happy Days television show titled Happy Days with a picture of Fonzie on the cover.

 

         Judy Blume was a favorite author of mine at the time, and this book was the latest in her collection. Happy Days was also one of my favorite television shows as well.  I remember flipping through the books, not knowing which to read first.  Oh, I had lots of books on my library shelf in my room, but this was the first time that I’d gotten some for Christmas. I was beyond excited! After eating breakfast and getting dressed in my new Christmas outfit, I remember coming back to the tree to see my new treasures. I eagerly plunked myself down, spending that whole afternoon until dinnertime, under the tree, in my spot, leaning up against the wall reading my new books.    

         Both books seemed equally interesting, so instead of choosing, I decided to read both at the same time, going back and forth between books. This was fun for me. I think I read both books within three days. I loved chapter books!!!

Below are some samples of the many books I had in my "library" in my bedroom while growing up. I would often reread them over and over, especially the chapter books. I spent countless hours reading books on my bed. I just loved books!

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  Over the years I have carried on this same tradition for my own children. Since my daughter and son were born, I make sure there is at least one book for them to open under the Christmas tree to promote my love of reading. And I still get just as excited buying the books for my children as I did for myself so very long ago!

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Reading is fundamental

Everyone should do it

A way to escape to far away places filled with adventure

Delightful

Imagination plays a key role

Necessary for academic growth

Gives me pleasure

             The American Reading Company has a reading program called "The 100 Book Challenge" for schools that helps to increase students' literacy levels. It is a very successful program which I was able to witness first hand last year during one of my observations at Forest Hills Elementary School in Camden. I saw my cooperating first grade teacher provide students with new books when they completed their latest one. Students turned in their guardian signed Log Sheet every morning before advancing. I saw many students on many different reading levels in the classroom. Some students were on lower levels, some on higher. This reading program affords all students the opportunity to build and advance their reading literacy in a fun way. This program is a great way to involve teachers, students, and parents in a child's education.

              The bar chart below showcases students' increased reading growth by classroom, in years. I believe in this reading program because it  really does work! I wish I could work for this company. Maybe one day I will!