Rivergold takes a “Journey Through Books”

Cathie Campbell - ccampbell@sierrastar.com

Cathie Campbell/Sierra Star

Lily Espe, kindergarten student at Rivergold Elementary School, trades hugs with special guest, “the Grinch.”

Cathie Campbell/Sierra Star

No stage fright here, as students of Kori Davis and Evelyn Clews perform a lively song during the “Read Across America” kick‑off rally held Monday morning.

COARSEGOLD - This past week has been a celebration at Rivergold Elementary School as students, parents and staff participate in activities for the annual “Read Across America” campaign.

Read Across America is a national day that celebrates reading and is sponsored by the National Education Association, the California Teachers Association and many leading literacy and youth groups that wish to motivate children to read.

In California, Read Across America was observed on Monday, March 3, in honor of Dr. Seuss’s birthday. Many schools, such as Rivergold, held a special event every day of the week.

On Monday, March 3, the famous green skinned Grinch came to visit, arriving on campus in a bright red fire engine and escorted into the waiting crowd by Principal Bob Rose. A morning kick-off rally, starting with a flag salute, was held in the cafeteria.

The Grinch read a story, “Green Eggs and Ham,” and encouraged everyone to check out storybooks at the library and read as many as they can. The Grinch also asked the students, “Who ate green eggs and ham this morning?” (If anyone really did eat that for breakfast, they didn’t raise their hands!)

After the story, there was a lively stage performance of a song by students in the classes of Kori Davis and Evelyn Clews and a couple of readings by students of Gina Hansen-Sedor’s creative drama class.

Everyone was encouraged to bring a new book for the book drive that will benefit Children’s Hospital Central California. The entire community is invited to participate in this worthwhile activity. Stop by the Rivergold School office with a donation of one (or more, if you wish) new children’s book.

The next day was “Dress-up Tuesday” for students, staff and any guests who wished to join the fun by dressing up as characters from a favorite book. And guess what? All those who were unfortunate enough not to have had that green eggs and ham breakfast were treated to one Tuesday morning! There were also education stations set up from 8:30-11 a.m.

Wednesday was Pajama Day, when students and staff dressed in “P.J.'s” and brought sleeping bags and pillows. Everyone read books all day long, and those pajamas and pillows made it a very comfortable experience.

Thursday’s celebration included various classroom activities selected by the teachers and Friday there were even more classroom activities. Friday also was the day a celebration cake was served at lunchtime, with Dr. Seuss movies shown in the cafeteria during the afternoon.

Even though the annual Read Across America activities are winding down, reading is something that can be pursued all year long. There are six helpful keys to helping a child become a good reader.

- Starting early - The ideal time to begin sharing books with children is during infancy, even with children as young as 6 weeks. From early on, children should own books, be read to often and see others reading and writing. Also, children should be encouraged to talk about books they already know and to elaborate or add their story lines or create new endings.

- Surrounding your child with a reading rich environment - the home environment is critical. Make it a print rich one. Make sure to put up some signs around the house that use the child’s name. Have toys like alphabet refrigerator magnets, writing materials and high quality books. The California Teachers Association has a list of favorite children’s and teachers’ books on the Web site at www.cta.org.

- Talking with your child - Vocabulary, language skills and knowledge about the world are acquired during interesting conversations with responsive adults. In daily life, parents should point out and read print in the environment. With your toddlers, share in making and using grocery lists, sing songs and tell stories.

- Teaching your child while you read aloud - When you read with your child, help them learn the basic rules of print. Point out how spaces separate words. Occasionally run your fingers along with the words as you read so your child can learn that sentences start on the upper left and go to the right. Point to the period at the end of sentences and say, “That’s the end.”

- Helping your child develop critical thinking skills - When you read, stop to discuss unfamiliar words so your child will learn what they mean. Pause to ask questions to help the child predict what is coming next. Help children understand the main characters of stories and encourage them to talk about why these characters act the way they do.

- Finding a good preschool setting - Look for a well& supplied, well designed space, a varied curriculum, strong teaching methods and teamwork among teachers, a regular daily routine, language experience and a strong parent teacher conference.

Activities such as Read Across America, especially week long celebrations that bring fun and education together, go a long way toward providing children with the resources and enthusiasm they need to enjoy all the benefits of reading. Reading opens up a whole new world -just ask the students at Rivergold Elementary School, who sail along on their “Journey through Books.”