One of the simplest, yet most powerful, questions you can ask your child is “What are you reading?” Reading is one of the most important lifelong learning skills that we need to cultivate in our children.
Although our new reading program requires a lot of time participating in whole group reading lessons, our students are given time to read books they love. They are reading at desks, on the floor, at tables, next to partners, with cross-grade buddies, in groups, to teachers, and sometimes walking out to their buses after dismissal. These sights make my heart swell because our students savor the gift of time to get lost in books to help them learn, make sense of the world, become better people, get answers to their questions, and connect to the perspectives that are different than their own. Sadly, most teenagers and adults have lost that passion for reading books.
People need to read and be readers now more than ever. Days are overscheduled. People are constantly connected to the world and interrupted from their own thoughts by technology. They spend hours watching the news and TV shows, scrolling through social media, watching viral videos on TikTok, and responding to text messages. People often feel the need to check their cell phones when forced to wait for even the smallest moment. Through this constant connectivity, they often lose a sense of themselves.
Books help us to not only learn about the world, but to examine our own lives. By comparing our experiences and thoughts with those of others, we make sense of our world and ourselves. Despite being a solitary activity, reading is actually a wonderful way to connect ourselves with other people. Books help increase our empathy by activating our imaginations to grapple with new perspectives.
I think of books that have changed me. Being a farmer’s daughter, I loved reading about the happenings on the farm in Charlotte’s Web when I was in elementary school. While reading this charming story, I learned about the value of friendship through the unwavering loyalty of Charlotte that was reciprocated by Wilbur when he cared for Charlotte’s children after her death. As a young reader, Roald Dahl’s twisted worlds and plots always piqued my interest. Each of his stories showcase physically small characters with superhuman strength and determination. I learned how diminutive, yet strong-willed, characters like Charlie, Matilda, and James overcame traumatic obstacles to discover true happiness. Fast forward to now, and books are still a big part of my growth as a human. Most recently, I read a book called Remarkably Bright Creatures by Shelby Van Pelt. It is a story about a woman who develops an interesting friendship with a giant Pacific turtle who lives in the aquarium where she works. The turtle helps her discover what happened the night her son mysteriously vanished in Puget Sound over thirty years prior. It was inspiring to me because it reminded me about the power of frienship and how examining the past can reveal a future full of hope and previously unattainable possibilties. Every book I read shapes me and helps me better understand people in our world.
Like me, our Pioneers have been changed by the books they have read. Many of our students have read or have been read The Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane by Kate DiCamillo. They learned about a china rabbit, who endures great love and great tragedy while passing from owner to owner. Through Edward's journey, they learned that no matter what happens in life it is most important to love and be loved. In Stand Tall, Molly Lou Melon by Patty Lovell, our students learned how wise words from her grandmother encouraged Molly to stand up for herself, be true to herself, smile and be happy, and never give up. For our advanced readers, diving into the richly layered, wildly imaginative world of Harry Potter through cracking the first book in the series is a reading experience that they will remember forever. There are a limitless number of books available for kids to find new knowledge, enjoyment, and personal growth through reading.
Reading books is more than just a break from technology, an escape, or a way to relax and rejuvenate. Rather, reading is a way to connect to the world, a way to expand one’s mind and perspective, and a way to find great joy. As we celebrate the joys of reading this month, I challenge you to join your child in reading a book to escape and engage in the world.
Happy March is Reading Month!
Rachel Card
Dear Pine River Families,
This month our school will be embarking on a special project, an all-school book club called One School, One Book. Every family received a copy of the same book – (will be revealed on March 1) - and will be asked to read it together at home over the next few weeks. I am personally asking you to make some time each night so your family can participate in this special activity.
Reading aloud at home is valuable because it better prepares your child to be an effective reader. But it is also a fun, worthwhile family activity. Through reading (our book) together, we aim to build a community of readers in our school community. Everyone - students, parents, teachers, support staff, and the principal - will be participating, and we can all reap the many benefits while we share reactions to this interesting story with one another.
The oldest child in each family will receive a copy of the book after we have a school-wide assembly introducing the book. Posted on the back is a schedule to keep track of reading assignments for each day. Please spend about 15-20 minutes per night reading the assigned pages. One member of the family can read the book to the rest. Take time to discuss the characters and events, make connections to the story, and predict what will happen next.
Each day at school, your child will be invited to answer daily trivia questions to encourage and reward attentive listening. A packet of question tickets will be given to each student, and they can complete the tickets for each chapter at home every evening and bring them to school the next day for a daily classroom drawing. You will soon find that your child will take pride in knowing and anticipating the details of the story. In class and at school, there may be various activities which discuss or explore the book. You will want to make sure your family keeps up so your child can join in discussions and answer the questions. Throughout March, everyone at Pine River will be talking about (our book) and participating in activities connected to the theme.
Students at all grade levels will read or listen to the same book. Strange 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. We also believe that you can and should continue reading chapter books with your older children, even when they are able to read by themselves. We carefully selected a title that can be followed and understood and enjoyed by younger students, but that will still captivate and stimulate older children.
Enjoy this special reading time with your children. 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 Pine River Elementary School!
Looking forward to reading with you!
Rachel Card, Principal
Using Skyward to Access Your Student's Information
How to log into to Skyward Family Access:
- Go to the district home web page at www.ecsd.us.
- Click on the Parents link, then Family Access link.
- Enter your Login ID and Password on the Skyward Family Access login screen.
Yard Sign Pickup
Parents of our Pioneers of the Month may stop in and pick up a yard sign to display at home during the next month. Just buzz the office at the front doors when you arrive, and we will provide you with a sign. Near the end of the month, please return the sign so we can get it ready for a new honoree.
Mission: The mission of the Pine River school community is to work collaboratively, providing an enriched curriculum that allows for intellectual, social, emotional, physical, and creative growth in a positive and safe environment, empowering all children to become productive lifelong learners.
