Midland Elementary's Year of the Book Brings School Together

by Nola Renz, Community Impact Manager - Early Grade Excellence

Families engaged, children reading, a wonderful children’s book author in attendance, fun activities, food, a principal with an open mind, volunteers and teachers with good ideas created a memorable culmination of the reading of “The Year of the Book” by every child attending Midland Elementary  and their family last Friday night. Two amazing woman, Michelle Leonard and Carson Fayth creatively crafted an opportunity for what they refer to as a “One Book, One School” experience.  Funds were provided to purchase the same book for every child and staff member in the school so that all children were able to read the same book with their families at home and in the classroom.  Every teacher in the school was engaged in having their class read the book and engage in learning activities connected to the book.  A culminating evening event for the whole family, included the author, teachers, Chinese food, book signing by the author, activities directly from the book, artifacts from China where the story occurred, and a great deal of fun for these families as they met and talked with the author, made origami, wrote their symbol year in Chinese, and participated in other projects and activities aligned with the book.

When we talk about getting our children to read, this activity was a profound example of a successful, engaging project.  The comfortableness and interest with which these families participated presented enthusiasm for their child’s learning as well as their own.  The interaction amongst everyone involved presented an amazing picture of true community.  Research says that “children spend their first three years of school learning to read, so that they can go forward in school reading to learn.”  Midland Elementary is doing a great job of making this a reality within their school community.  Great job!