Dear Parents or Guardians,
Each year, we have the opportunity for your child to participate in a free, online digital library program that contains over 6,000 books chosen just for your child’s interests and reading level. This program is called myOn. Along with your child having access to the program throughout the year, we also hold fun reading competitions to encourage your child to read during our three seasonal breaks, Thanksgiving break, winter break, and spring break. The myOn program is a fun, simple way to keep your child engaged in reading each day that we are out of school, along with building excitement to reach goals that have been set for individuals, classes, grade levels, and our school overall. With each of these goals that are met, kids get to experience the joy and excitement of reaching the goal, while also increasing their reading fluency! (There are some fun incentives they can earn for each of the goals, too!)
Below are a few informational points about the myOn program that you may not yet know. Knowing more about the program can encourage your child to continue reading over our breaks.
The myOn program can either read the books to your child, which helps them hear good fluency and expression from the myOn reader, OR you can turn the voice off on the book to encourage your child to read independently or out loud to you to help them gain confidence in their independent, oral reading.
For your child to read the book by themselves, click on the arrows at the side of the page.
To have the book read to them, or for them to read along, click the play button below the book.
The myOn program provides opportunities for your child to explore topics they are interested in. There are more than 6,000 books available on myOn.
Some science texts on myOn can be used to do at-home experiments
myOn contains fiction, graphic novels, and non-fiction books so your child can choose their favorite preference
Students can choose areas of high interest for them to read books from the categories that interest them
Students who read at least 30 minutes per day at home show greater success with academics in all areas.
Using myOn builds reading stamina and fluency
Children who regularly spend time reading gain many benefits. Here are a few:
Reading exercises the brain
Reading increases vocabulary
Reading increases general background knowledge, leading to better overall comprehension
Reading sharpens the memory
Reading strengthens writing skills
Reading fosters concentration and the ability to focus
Reading is motivational
Reading reduces stress and helps you relax
Reading improves sleep
Reading increases your imagination and creativity
Reading is associated with improved mental wellbeing
Reading opens up countless new worlds for your child to explore from the comfort and safety of your home
Consider setting up a home incentive over break to motivate your child to reach the Thanksgiving Break goal of reading at least 3 hours throughout the break. This incentive does not need to be something that you buy for them. Some examples of non-monetary incentives could be your child choosing what to have for dinner one night, having a family game night, your child choosing what movie to watch, or getting to stay up 30 extra minutes past bedtime. You could also involve your child in creating a list of incentives they would like to work towards if they reach their reading goal. And, of course, celebrate any time your child reaches one of their reading goals throughout the entire school year!
Happy reading!!
The Prairie Ridge Staff
