A Parent Involvement Coordinator

at each school site is an important link to volunteer opportunities and family events, with various activities at every school.

RAISING CHILDREN WHO LOVE TO READ!

February is I Love to Read month!  As adults, we all love to read – it is just finding the time to read.  But my concern today is – are we raising our children to love reading?  Today there are so many ways to be entertained and learn about the world around us that reading often seems slow and boring.  The media of TV, computer, video games all give our children instant knowledge and entertainment.  It is much easier for them and also for us.  However, reading provides a depth of knowledge and an imaginative entertainment that technology doesn’t.  Being a good reader also is essential to our children’s learning.  You will see lots of activities at your school and through the public libraries to encourage you children to read; book fairs, reading nights, author talks etc.  Take advantage of them and attend with your children.  Try a few of these ideas to get children more involved in reading and become more successful learners.      

• Have a variety of reading material in your home.  Newspapers, magazines, books, as well as the computer.

• Set an example.  When do your children see you read for knowledge and enjoyment?

• Read to your child.  This typically seems like an activity you do with a child who can’t read but why not read with all ages.  Read chapter books and take turns with the chapter.  Read the same book and discuss what is happening.  Read when you are traveling or listen to audio tapes.  Our family read all the Jules Verne’s classics on our many trips to Iowa to visit Grandparents!

• Give books or magazine subscriptions for gifts. 

• Expand on current interest of your children through reading.  The sports junkie can look up the scores in the morning newspaper and subscribe to Sports Illustrated.

• Visit your public library often.  Our community has great public libraries.  The librarians are very helpful and will recommend books for your age of children.

• Look for other media products that encourage reading.  Choose computer programs that include reading and problem solving.  Look for video games that may also have a book or comic book component to expand on.

Schools spend a lot of time teaching reading, but the main component for developing a love of reading is established by parents at home.  Are there times that are set aside for reading?  Are there spaces for quiet and curling up to read?  Do Mom and Dad say reading is important?  Try some of these ideas or pull forward some you use to do and have an enjoyable winter reading! 

Parent Involvement Coordinators

Kindergarten Center

Jackie Christenson

Bluff Creek Elementary

Denise Choiniere

Chanhassen Elementary

Kristin Raymakers

Chaska Elementary

Shelly Pouliot

Clover Ridge Elementary

Lisa Silkey

East Union Elementary

Jackie Christianson

Jonathan Elementary

Jill Anderson

Victoria Elementary

Debi Ylitalo

Middle School East

Tracy Leggatt

Middle School West

Lori Juelich

Pioneer Ridge

Lori Juelich

Chaska High School

Bev Diles

Interested in volunteering?

There are many opportunities to volunteer in District 112.

Contact Trisha Leck at 952.556.6216