One School, One Book

We are getting ready to begin our 2nd year with One School/One Book.  This is a school community-wide shared reading event.  Every student and every staff member in Lower School will receive a copy of Toys Go Out by Emily Jenkins.  This is a special event for our entire school as we read, talk, share, and learn together.

Reading together at home is valuable because it prepares your child to be a more effective reader and it’s fun.  When children see others reading and talking about what they read, they see the purpose and joy that can come from working to improve themselves as a reader.

Your child will receive a copy of our book when we kick things off with a fun, Lower School Assembly on Wednesday, September 4. Along with the book, you will receive a reading schedule so that we stay together through our reading of Toys Go Out.  Generally, it may take 15-20 minutes to complete each section.  You may read aloud or read with your child, taking turns.  Our older students will be able to read independently and talk about the text. We will have sections of the book scheduled Monday through Thursday from September 4 to our conclusion of September 20.

In school your child will participate in short lessons, trivia, and discussion as all of Lower School reads Toys Go Out.  This a novel program in that children of all grade levels will be listening to or reading the same book.  Strange or daring as that may seem, it actually makes sound educational sense.  Reading professionals recommend reading material out loud that is beyond a child’s own reading level.  It is also recommended that you should continue reading chapter books with your older children, even when they are able to read by themselves.  Toys Go Out is a title that can be followed, understood, and enjoyed by younger students, and will still captivate and stimulate older students.

Watch for the book coming home with your student on Wednesday, September 4!  When a whole school reads a book, there’s a lot to talk about!  With your help, we can build a Community of Readers at our school.