At Richland One School District, a robust commitment to literacy is evident through various district-wide initiatives designed to foster a love of reading at every educational level. By funding libraries above the state average, the district ensures equitable access to resources across all schools, regardless of size. This investment in library collections and professional librarians allows for a diverse range of books, meeting students' varied needs and helping them forge meaningful connections with reading.
Here’s a closer look at some key literacy initiatives shared during a recent webinar by Richland One’s library media consultant, Travis Nelson, and K-12 Literacy Coordinator, Dr. Kendra Lynn. Their insights inspire librarians and educators looking to enhance their programs and partnerships.
Promoting Literacy and Visibility
Reading Role Models
Richland One has implemented an innovative approach to promoting literacy in schools through staff book posters. These posters showcase principals, assistant principals, librarians, and literacy coaches proudly posing with their favorite books, displayed prominently throughout the school. This creative initiative reinforces the message that everyone in the school community is a reader, emphasizing the importance of reading through the influence of trusted role models. For instance, a poster featuring Dr. Coltrane, a middle school principal, inspires students by highlighting her passion for reading, encouraging them to develop their love for books.
Building Home Libraries
Bringing Books to Every Home
Another way the district supports literacy development is through home library programs for students from pre-K3 to 9th grade, which encourage reading beyond the classroom. Students select their books online, bundled and delivered before summer break, equipping them with engaging reading materials to prevent the "summer slide." This initiative ensures students have access to quality books that keep their minds active throughout the summer break.
Supporting Summer Learning at Home
Complementing the home library initiative, the district’s summer SOAR program offers participating students a new book each week. The program helps students build their home libraries and keeps the joy of reading alive during the summer months.
Early Childhood Literacy
Thrive Richland (Birth to Five Initiative)
Recognizing the importance of early literacy, the Thrive Richland program hosts twice-weekly playgroups where each child receives a book to take home. This initiative underscores the district's commitment to early literacy by providing books during pre-K screenings, reinforcing the message that reading begins at a young age. The program helps lay the foundation for a lifelong love for reading.
Federal and State Program Support
Expanding Access Through Title I and ESOL Programs
Richland One also leverages federal and state program funding to distribute over 110,000 books to families, ensuring students across the district have greater access to quality reading materials. ESOL seed libraries have been established in ten schools to support literacy in diverse communities further, providing multilingual titles that reflect the district's cultural richness while enhancing school library collections. These efforts demonstrate a commitment to making literacy resources accessible to every student and family.
Student Engagement and Expression
District Poetry Jam
One of the most exciting and unique events in Richland One is their District Poetry Jam. This event encourages students to express themselves through spoken word and rap, promoting creative writing and self-expression. This evolving platform promotes creative writing and encourages students to become content creators, nurturing a vibrant culture of innovation and literacy. Through this event, students showcase their voices while deepening their connection to language and storytelling.
Superintendent’s Book Club: Annual Reading Challenge
The Superintendent’s Book Club is key in promoting literacy within the Richland One School District. Each year, they organize an annual reading challenge designed to inspire and motivate students through exciting celebrations and fun challenges. Students read over six million minutes this year, earning engaging incentives like bounce houses and unique rewards for reaching district-wide goals. Top-performing schools were treated to unforgettable events, including a surprise appearance by a principal riding a camel! These celebrations create lasting memories that foster a love for literature.
Equity Through Minutes Read
To make the challenge more inclusive and accessible to students of all reading speeds, the district shifted its focus from book counts to reading minutes. This change was backed by research highlighting the importance of sustained reading duration for literacy development. Community engagement played a key role, with local celebrities and USC athletes recording motivational messages for students, shared via a dedicated S’more page. Additionally, the district’s partnership with Beanstack streamlined the tracking of reading minutes, supporting district-wide and individual school challenges to keep students engaged, motivated, and excited about reading.
Creating a Vibrant Literacy Landscape
Through these comprehensive initiatives, Richland One School District is cultivating a literacy culture, inspiring students, and engaging the community in fostering a lifelong love for reading. Librarians and educators looking for ideas for collaborating with their districts can draw inspiration from these successful programs. Together, we can create a more vibrant literacy landscape that enriches the lives of all students.
Ready to spark a love for reading at your school? Contact Beanstack today to see how we can help nurture a vibrant reading culture tailored to your students.