Novi Times

Oakland Schools Intermediate School District (ISD) is pleased to announce the arrival of National Reading Month. Throughout March, children, teachers, parents, and the community will celebrate the joys of reading and the importance of literacy. As part of the month-long observation, Oakland Schools is highlighting the impact of Literacy Essentials Oakland (LEO), a collaboration between the ISD and 19 school districts in Oakland County. The LEO project centers on building systemic and instructional practices to ensure early literacy success.

"We know that improving the literacy of our youngest learners is of the utmost importance, as literacy unlocks doors of opportunity for a lifetime to come," said Carol Anthony, Oakland Schools' executive director of district and school services. "The LEO project directly responds to our goal to improve the early literacy outcomes for students in grades K-3."

Recognizing the widespread debate on best practices for effective reading instruction, Oakland Schools’ Teaching and Learning Council compiled a list of Q&As to support high-quality conversations about each district's comprehensive approach to reading instruction.

In addition, parents and caregivers play an essential role in helping students across all grade levels to read, write, and critically think, and offer the following ideas:

• Have conversations with your child. Conversations about their day, their feelings, how things work, how you make things.
• Read daily.  This can be to your child, with your child, just READ.
• Play word games.
• Build background knowledge through experiences (nature walks, visiting museums or science centers, going to the grocery store, cooking together, etc.).
• Help develop your child’s vocabulary by using different words. 
• Attend literacy events provided by your local district.
• Visit your local library.  Check out books together as a family.  See what programs the library offers.

Oakland Schools has published a calendar – 31 Ways to Celebrate National Reading Month - to help children, teachers, parents and the community celebrate the joys and power of reading.

"National Reading Month is an important time for the education community. Starting with our youngest readers, districts are preparing students for life-long success using the essential framework of the LEO project," said Anthony.

Original source can be found here.