During the month of February, once again, Goochland County Public Schools will be embarking on a special project, a division-wide book club called Goochland Reads. Goochland Reads is a unique program that provides elementary children at all grade levels with the opportunity to share the same book over the same time period. Curious as that may seem at first, it actually makes sound educational sense. Literacy experts recommend reading material out loud that is beyond a child’s individual reading level; the same experts support reading chapter books aloud with older children, even when they are able to read independently.
Our Goochland Reads committee selected a title that can be followed, understood, and enjoyed by younger students, but that will still captivate older children. As the centerpiece of the program, every elementary school family will receive a copy of this same book and will be asked to share the literacy experience during the month of February. The title will be announced to students next week, and your child will/did receive his/her very own copy. Generally, you are asked to read one chapter each night, about 10-15 minutes. We hope that you will find the time to participate in this special activity focused on community and the importance of literacy.
Reading aloud at home is incredibly valuable as it helps develop a strong foundation for all learning, as well as models lifelong literacy; moreover, it’s a fun, worthwhile family activity! With the Goochland Reads program, we aim to build a community of readers across our elementary school communities. Everyone—students, parents, teachers, bus drivers, and administrative staff—will be participating.
Your child will be engaged in literary discussions and invited to answer comprehension questions to encourage and celebrate participation. We encourage you to make sure your family participates so your child can be included. You will find that your child will take pride in knowing and anticipating the details of the story. Throughout the month, everyone will be talking about the book!
Good luck! We hope to talk with both you and your child about the book throughout the next few weeks. When an entire school division reads a book, there’s a lot to talk about. With your help, we will strengthen a community of readers in Goochland!