Pages of Impact: Alder's Book Club Success
From the first chapter of a child’s educational journey, we at Greater Than understand the profound importance of instilling a love for reading. Reading isn’t just a skill; it’s the key that unlocks all future learning. Something magical happens when a child opens a book. It’s not just about words on a page; it’s about unlocking a world of possibilities. We’re thrilled to share how your support can turn the page for literacy growth for young readers.
Beyond the Classroom: Alder’s After-School Book Club
Mondays and Wednesdays come alive at Alder Elementary with Greater Than’s after-school “book club.” Serving about 25 students, this dynamic initiative, which started last spring but gained substantial strength this year, has become a hub of literacy engagement.
Facilitated by two lead teachers and assisted by three student reading mentors from Reynolds High School, the book club emphasizes social-emotional learning, games, and engaging activities to ensure that every session is a literary adventure where learning is intertwined with fun. So much fun, that while efforts are concentrated on 2nd and 3rd graders who are below grade-level on literacy, students not initially targeted for the program are clamoring to join!
Learning and fun intertwine, creating an environment where every child is eager to dive into the world of books.
The Science of Reading
In crafting Alder's Book Club, we've embraced the science of reading, utilizing evidence-based strategies rooted in research. Our approach is grounded in phonics, understanding the crucial role it plays in decoding words and building a strong foundation for reading. The blending of phonics, complemented by insights from STAR testing data, allows us to tailor our curriculum to the evolving literacy skills of our young readers.
Data-Driven Literacy: Phonics, STAR, and Surveys
Behind the scenes, our commitment to literacy expansion is backed by data-driven insights. We utilize phonics and STAR testing data to inform our targeted curriculum, ensuring that our engagement with students is tailored to their specific needs.
We will also be analyzing our own surveys that delve into the students' experiences. Questions like, "Do you enjoy coming to school more?" or "Has your love for reading grown?" will provide invaluable feedback, guiding our continuous efforts to create a nurturing environment for our young readers.
Our data-driven literacy approach ensures tailored support, nurturing each child's unique journey to become a proficient, lifelong reader.
Culturally Responsive Reading: Seeing Themselves in Stories
We're committed to providing a diverse and inclusive reading experience. Alder’s book club prioritizes culturally responsive books, allowing students to see themselves in the stories they read. This not only enhances their understanding but also fuels their enthusiasm for reading. Through characters and settings that reflect their own backgrounds and experiences, students develop a deeper connection to the stories and a stronger sense of identity.
Alder’s book club prioritizes culturally responsive books, instilling a sense of identity and connection among our young readers.
Collaborative Impact: Partnering for Literacy Success
As in every aspect of our work, we believe in the power of collaboration. Partnering with teachers, we identify students who will benefit the most from the book club experience. This dynamic partnership ensures that we are aligning with what is happening in the classroom after school so, these students receive a double dose of focus on areas critical to their growth through personalized, targeted intervention.
Our commitment to fostering a love for reading extends beyond Alder. As part of our literacy push at Lincoln Street Elementary School, we’ve partnered with Pacific University to have an academic mentor visit once a week for dedicated literacy focus time in kindergarten classrooms.
Alder's book club is a hub of literacy engagement, fostering excitement for reading among our young learners.
As we nurture the love for reading in our students, your continued support remains crucial. Together, we are sowing the seeds of knowledge and excitement, encouraging every child to become a lifelong reader.