Today each Parkside Elementary child
received a copy of an Illinois READS
book. The Illinois Reading Council
sponsors an initiative to promote reading
and authors with ties to Illinois. The books
chosen for this initiative are selected
in various age categories. The categories
range from birth to adult.
The presentation of these books was made
possible in part by support from the
CUSD #20 Academic Foundation, and
the Ed Loeb Special Projects Grant.
Having their own book is such a treasure
to a child. This book will provide pupils
and their families the opportunity to
practice reading and nurture the
accomplishment of this skill. Since
this creates a connection to a
statewide reading initiative, providing
the book also shows students that they are
connected to a larger learning community.
There have been many studies researching
the benefits of children owning books and
having ready access to reading material.
One study from the University of
Nevada indicated that book ownership
had just as great an impact on
educational attainment
as a parent's education level.
Reading to and with children is an
essential part of their academic success.
Parkside Elementary is promoting
reading in the home with the theme
"We READ at Our House."
Along with a new book, each child was
given a static cling and a bookmark.
The goal of this project is to help children become successful readers. If you want more information on the Illinois READS initiative, their website is www.illinoisreads.org
Photograph compliments of
The Lawrenceville Daily Record
Read more about the gift of books
as well as an opportunity to join
us at Parkside this Thursday,
November 20th (6:00-7:30 P.M.)
for a special Fine Arts Night!
We're celebrating talented
youngsters with help from
The Lawrence County Arts Council:
