I am a bookworm. I have always been one, and likely always will be. Reading has always been magical to me, from the very first moment I was able to read. Books are these amazing adventures to me. I am not sure if it is simply because I just love to read, or if my overactive imagination has fueled my love somewhat. I just know that from the very moment I learned how to read, it has been one of my very favorite things to do.
I think I was lucky, in that I had a great teacher, who taught me to read, and the process went smoothly. Gigi is going through the process right now, and she is doing well, and making us proud. She also has a great imagination. Every Thursday, I volunteer with the after school reading club, for Second Graders at Gigi's school. I love watching the kid's improve at their reading skills, and fall in love with books.
I was sad to learn that second and third graders, seem to struggle the most, and that many of the kids do not advance beyond the reading level they reach by third or fourth grade. So, that is how our club formed. We are working to help increase the literacy of our second graders, and set them up to advance further beyond their current level, in the years to come. We are already seeing a 50% to 100% improvement in our kids. Gigi has not shown much of an interest in joining in, so I just let her watch and relax during reading club, but I am secretly hoping she asks to join in soon.
Literacy is so important, and our children all deserve a bright future. I encourage you all, to read with the kids in your life. Volunteer with reading programs, if you are able. Donate to local schools and libraries. During our school's book fair, teachers submitted wish lists, of books they wanted for their classroom's, and us parents could buy and donate the book's off their lists. It was so fun.
Gigi attends a title one school, where nearly all the students qualify for free or reduced lunches, and the family incomes are not very in tune with the cost of living. So, in the two years of her attending this school, I have learned a lot about funding and ways to help. I highly encourage you all, to get involved with your local schools. If you can help with money donations, book donations, or supply donations, that is amazing. However, I have learned that the best donation is your time. All kids can benefit from reading clubs, and access to books. If your school does not have one, start it.
I am so serious. I have learned so much, about how important a child's literacy level is, and how much brighter their futures become, with the better their literacy level, and the higher the number of books they've read. So, I am on a mission, to give Gigi access to as many books as possible, and I plan on buying from every book fair her school has, and to continue the tradition of Santa bringing the gift of new books. I hope to be able to report an increase of 100% to 200% next time. I am so proud of our reading group kiddos, and how hard they are working. It amazes me, that I get praised for simply reading books with kids. As a book worm, I am pretty sure I enjoy it just as much, and possibly even more, than the kiddos. I am beyond grateful for all the books I get to read. My inner book worm is beyond happy. The fact that each week, a second grader becomes more likely to attend college, is just the cherry on top of my happiness sundae.
Gigi wanted me to share all the newest additions to her home library. I secretly hope we one day live in a house big enough, to expand the size of her library, to be the size of a whole room, complete with some comfy reading nooks. A reader can dream.
Don't forget to check out the rest of this month's Read Across America's posts.
Karen of Baking In A Tornado
Pepperoni Parmesan Crescents
Tamara of Part-time working Hockey Mom Reading Across America
P.J. of A ‘lil HooHaa BUJO: Reading, writing, and learning to journal in middle age Kia of The Ground Beneath my Feet Read Across the World: A Literary Journey
Melissa of My Heartfelt Sentiments Tell Your Story - Read Across America
Lydia of Cluttered Genius Must Read: Schooled
