Literacy Connections

October

As the school year starts to settle into a comfortable rhythm, life at home can feel like a blur of homework, practices, dinner prep, and bedtime routine. But if there is one simple, joyous daily habit that can transform your child’s brain and warm their heart, it’s this: reading aloud together. In her beloved book Reading Magic, author Mem Fox writes that "the fire of literacy is created by the sparks between a child, a book, and the person reading." That spark doesn’t have to fade once children can read on their own. In fact, keeping that flame burning throughout Kindergarten all the way through 5th grade is one of the greatest gifts we can give our learners.

Research shows that when we read aloud to our children—regardless of their age—we aren't just sharing a story; we are literally building their brains.

Listening Comprehension Outpaces Reading Comprehension: Until around age 13, a child’s listening comprehension is significantly higher than their reading comprehension. When you read a rich, complex chapter book aloud to a 4th or 5th grader, they absorb advanced vocabulary, sophisticated sentence structures, and deep themes they couldn't comfortably navigate on their own…yet!
The Vocabulary Boost: Studies show that children who are read to regularly at home are exposed to millions more words by the time they reach upper elementary school. Books contain far more rare and expressive words than our everyday spoken conversations!
Background Knowledge & Empathy: Books open windows to the world. Reading aloud builds critical background knowledge across science and history, while helping kids walk in someone else's shoes, developing empathy and emotional intelligence.

Here are a few tips to inspire a reading routine:

Keep It Cozy & Pressure-Free: Pick a comfortable spot. It’s not a test, and there are no quizzes at the end! It’s simply a time to relax and enjoy a good story together.
Your Voice Matters: Don't be afraid to put on silly voices, slow down for suspense, or whisper during quiet moments. Your enthusiasm is contagious!
Talk and Wonder Together: Pause to giggle, express surprise, or ask, "What do you think will happen next?" Let the conversation flow naturally.
Choose Books You Both Love: From picture books with gorgeous art or a valuable lesson to suspenseful chapter books, graphic novels, or non-fiction - any book will do as long as you enjoy it. If you're excited about the book, your child will be, too.

Even just 10 to 15 minutes a day makes a world of difference. Whether you're tucked under a blanket with a Kindergartener or sharing a chapter of a mystery novel with your 5th grader before bed, you are laying a foundation for a lifetime of learning and love. Happy reading, Eagles!

San Juan Island School District Commitment to Non-discrimination

San Juan Island School District does not discriminate in any programs or activities on the basis of sex, race, creed, religion, color, national origin, age, veteran or military status, sexual orientation, gender expression or identity, disability, or the use of a trained dog guide or service animal and provides equal access to the Boy Scouts and other designated youth groups.

The San Juan Island School District offers classes in many career and technical education program areas such as Culinary Arts, Career Prep, STEM, and Computer Science under its open admissions policy. For more information about CTE course offerings and admissions criteria, contact CTE Director, Liz Varvaro, elizabethvarvaro@sjisd.org, PO Box 458, FH, WA, (360) 378-4133. Lack of English language proficiency will not be a barrier to admission and participation in career and technical education programs.

The following people have been designated to handle inquiries regarding the non-discrimination policies:

Jeff Thompson, Civil Rights Compliance Coordinator, Title IX Officer

PO Box 458, Friday Harbor, WA 98250

(360) 378-4133

jeffreythompson@sjisd.org

Aileen Howe, Special Services Director, 504 Officer, ADA Coordinator, Gender-Inclusive Schools Coordinator

PO Box 458, Friday Harbor, WA 98250

(360) 378-4133

aileenhowe@sjisd.org

Fred Woods, Superintendent, Harassment, Intimidation, and Bullying (HIB) Coordinator

PO Box 458, Friday Harbor, WA 98250

(360) 378-7905