Dear GES Families:
Gretna Elementary is about to take part in a special, community wide shared reading event! Every family will receive a copy of the same book and will be asked to read it together at home over the next few weeks. I know that life is so busy, but we would love it if you were able to make time so that 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, and it is also a fun, worthwhile family activity. With this program, we aim to build a Community of Readers at our school. Everyone – students, parents, and staff – will all be following along together.
Your child received a copy of our book at a special school wide assembly introducing the program and the book today. The book chosen is Charlie and the Chocolate Factory by Roald Dahl. Below is the reading schedule for you to follow at home. Generally, you will be asked to read about 15 minutes each night. Reading Schedule
In school, your child will be invited to answer daily trivia questions to encourage and reward attentive listening. You will soon find that your child will take pride in knowing and anticipating the details of the story. In class, students will explore the book through activities and discussion.
This is a novel program in that children of all grade levels will all be listening to the same book. I know that it might seem daring, but 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 have selected a title that can be followed and understood and enjoyed by younger students, but will still captivate and stimulate older children.
In addition to this being our school wide book, our 4th and 5th grade musical this year will be Roald Dahl's Willa Wonka Kids. If you would like to help support the musical, they are offering t-shirts for purchase. If you'd like to order, click on the following link and purchase before noon on January 31st! Willy Wonka T-Shirt Orders
I know that you’ll enjoy this special reading time with your children. I hope to talk with both you and your student sometime in the days to come about this special book. 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 our school!
Carissa Dickes
Principal
Gretna Elementary School