Building a Culture of Reading
"Making reading something the whole school celebrates, not just something we assess."
The challenge
Strong readers need more than good classroom instruction. Reading sticks when it's celebrated everywhere, families are part of it, and it doesn't stop at the school doors.
My leadership
I've built and led several schoolwide literacy programs, including a Reading Leaders mentoring program where fifth graders partnered with first graders a few times a week, and a Summer Reading program with take-home packets and incentives to keep skills sharp over break. I also put together a reading resource page so staff had everything in one place.
The impact
More excitement around reading, more families involved, a stronger literacy culture, and ready-to-use systems that made things easier for teachers.
Artifacts
5th Grade Literacy Leaders, mentor application overview
Alt: 5th Grade Literacy Leaders mentor application introduction
Literacy Leaders application, sample questions
Alt: Sample application questions for the Literacy Leaders mentor program
Summer Learning Fun, take-home summer reading & math packet
Alt: Summer Learning Fun take-home packet cover for summer reading and math practice
Whiteford Reading Resource Page, one-stop hub for staff
Alt: Whiteford Reading Resource Page showing assessment, intervention, and grade-level resources
Right to Read Week, schoolwide literacy celebration
Alt: Right to Read Week flyer with daily themed reading activities