Principal Summer Cantrell has issued a challenge to the teachers of Smithville Elementary School to read 500 books to each homeroom class by the end of the school year.  The challenge is off to a great start and hundreds of books have already been read. Each classroom is keeping a chart to mark off a book for each book that is read to their class. The teachers and students have embraced this challenge, and the students are enjoying it as well. 

September is National Literacy Month, which is a time to celebrate the importance of literacy, encourage young people to visit the library, pick up a good book, and explore new worlds. The importance of reading aloud to children was demonstrated in a two-year study that was completed by the US Department of Education.  Results of the study indicated that the single most important activity for building the knowledge required for eventual success in reading is reading aloud to children.  Reading aloud to children increases listening skills, expression, inflection, vocabulary, comprehension, visualization skills and background knowledge.

Take time to share the reading experience with the children in your life. Read a book with your child and then ask them questions about the book. Talk about your favorite books and authors, and ask your young readers about theirs. You might be surprised how much fun it can be for both you and the children in your life.

We encourage you to take your young readers to the library, get some great books, and sit down together to read out loud. Help your more advanced readers find books they'll enjoy on their own. You can even set up an account with one of our local libraries to borrow e-books that can be downloaded to smartphones, tablets, or laptops. Kids can get new books to read sitting in their living rooms. The staff at the Justin Potter Library or the Alexandria Library will be happy to help you gain access to the many e-books they have available for check out.

Smithville Elementary is super excited about the 500 book challenge and knows that great and fun memories will be made for the Wildcats at SES!  A school-wide celebration will be held in May when the first ten classes reach the 500 book mark.  Join in on the fun by reading a book to a Wildcat today!