Elkhart Community Schools creates district-wide literacy program
ELKHART, Ind.-From the classroom to the football field, students, staff and athletes at Elkhart Community Schools are making a promise to read more books as part of the very first district-wide literacy initiative.
Last year, a literacy committee devised a plan and created more opportunities for students to engage in reading. In addition to reading more books in the classroom, students and staff also have to chance to participate in contests, events and promotions centered around literacy so the community can get excited about reading for fun.
“I think the engagement piece for us was big,” said Tara White, Director of Literacy. “It’s not only reading, but sharing with other people and it’s a nice opportunity for students, teachers and administrators to connect one-on-one,” White said.
Each quarter during the school year has a theme. Currently, it’s “Tackle a Good Book,” in honor of football season. Inspiration came from Indianapolis Colts quarterback, Andrew Luck, and his online book club.
Elkhart Memorial and Central football players also shared their book recommendations with younger students.
“The exciting thing is that people are talking about reading,” said Louanne Nommay, a library media specialist at Northside Middle School. “There’s that image of you’re a nerd if you read, so having different people talk about books and teachers saying I really loved a book, kids can say hey my teacher read this” Nommay said.
Students of all ages are meeting with their peers to discuss and recommend books they’ve read.
Hear student reaction:
“I like it because it’s more interaction with other people’s opinions,” said McKenna Duehmig, an 8th grader at Northside Middle School.
To celebration the culmination of “Tackle a Good Book”, the Indianapolis Colts “Colts in Motion” traveling museum will make an appearance at Elkhart Memorial Charger Field Friday evening from 5 to 7 P.M. The public is invited to check out Colts history and memorabilia.
The next theme in the literacy series is called “Read You Must” in honor of the upcoming Star Wars film, “The Last Jedi.”
You can find more information HERE.