Dove Elementary School is celebrating its annual One School One Book program by reading “Almost Super” by Marion Jensen. While students participate in book-related trivia questions and discuss the storyline with friends at lunch, this program encourages and inspires families to continue reading long past the final page.
Throughout One School One Book, students and guardians are encouraged to read a couple of chapters throughout the week as a way for students to practice their literacy at home.
Siblings Steven Leota, fifth grade; Jalaire Leota, fourth grade; Sumo Leota, second grade; and Manoa Havea, kindergarten, are big proponents of One School One Book. During the family reading sessions they practice reading out loud to the group. Manoa, the youngest, said that One School One Book has helped him learn his letters and words.
“I like reading, and I read a little section by myself last night, she said”
Not only does the family read together throughout the week, but they also participate in discussions and trivia questions that the Dove librarian, Becca Young, sends home with each student. The trivia questions help each student with their reading comprehension skills by making them pay attention to the book and recall the main plot points. To the students, however, it's just fun trivia.
“Everyone should do One School One Book because it's fun and you get prizes,” Sumo said.
Tuesday through Friday, Dove students must turn in their trivia answers by the first bell to have a chance at winning. Manoah ensures the family makes it to school early so he can turn in his answers. He has already won five times!
Since the family and Dove started this project, they have noticed a positive impact.
Jalaire said, “Reading as a family helps kids prepare to learn in school because they are learning at home. It helps all ages become better readers.”
The program concludes on February 29, but Steven says he has fallen in love with reading and doesn’t think he will stop anytime soon.
“Since reading ‘Almost Super,’ I want to read more mystery books because once you discover what happens, there is another mystery,” he shared. “It's a mystery beyond a mystery!”
To conclude One School One Book, Batman visited the students to highlight the book's themes and remind them that they can be superheroes by being kind and helpful and always working hard. While the story that Dove is reading is over, the memories the students and parents made together will last and help create lifelong readers.
