Reading is a skill that is used throughout one’s life and is developed both at home and in school; proficient readers will take up a book in either setting, which helps develop a solid literary foundation at a young age. Carlyle Elementary School (CES) has decided to help encourage reading at home through the program: One School, One Book; currently in its second year at the school.
With a donation from the Lions Club and help through the School Community Council, CES was able to purchase a book for each family in the school with the intent that the family will read the book at home together. The next day the students then answer a few questions, which enters them into a draw for a Scholastics book prize.
A reading schedule was followed, requiring families to read one or two chapters each night, and then all students and their family were invited to CES on Tuesday, Feb. 7, to enjoy a movie night with free popcorn and the screening of the movie.
This year families were invited to read “Charlie and the Chocolate Factory” by Roald Dahl and watch the 1971 film, Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory, featuring Gene Wilder.
The book was chosen as it could be enjoyed by youth from Kindergarten through grade six.
Literacy skills improve listening comprehension, increases vocabulary skills, provides fluency models, promotes conceptual understanding, lengthens attention spans, and creates a positive attitude towards books and reading.
Additionally, reading aloud can sharpen the imagination, creates healthy conversation, and builds a love of reading, all while developing a positive emotional bond between parent/guardian and the child.
Last year the program was a success and the school was intent on hosting the “One School, One Book” program again for all the benefits of a shared reading experience. It was again considered a success and with the entire school population reading the book it became a shared experience by the students.
CES Principal, Tyler Fehrenbach, also announced to the gym that the school will be hosting a musical in May, “Willy Wonka Kids,” and encouraged students to sign up to either perform or assist in making props and the behind the scenes work.
