C.H. Booth Focal Point

For School Reading Programs

By Larissa Lytwyn

In an effort to replace the tedium of assigned summer reading, many of the state’s administrative, educational, and community institutions are embracing more flexible, student-initiated programs.

“We are focusing on building up a student’s love of reading,” said Alana Meloni, director of the C.H. Booth Library’s Children’s Desk. The library’s 2003 summer reading program will incorporate a variety of projects from area schools, including Governor John G. Rowland’s Summer Reading Challenge and Middle School Madness. The Friends of the C.H. Booth Library, a volunteer-based civic organization, is also sponsoring Newtown’s participation in Heifer International’s “Read to Feed” program.

Gov Rowland’s Summer Reading Challenge consists of a series of guidelines for teachers and parents to follow to encourage healthy reading habits in their children. In his “message to parents and students,” Gov Rowland writes that reading’s benefits include the establishment of better language skills and thinking strategies. He encourages students to use the library to inquire about summer reading materials and programs, read daily, and create the availability of a diverse range of reading materials in the home. Students record and summarize their books in a journal.

As for the materials children choose to read, Ms Meloni said that she strives to be as inclusive and noncritical as possible. “The purpose is for children to have fun,” she said. The library sponsors a variety of programs, such as Middle School Madness, encourage older students to read to younger ones.

In addition to recommending Gov Rowland’s Summer Reading Challenge, Middle Gate Elementary School is commencing its “Slice into Some Juicy Summer Reading” program. Students are encouraged to read any material they choose at least 20 minutes each day. Parents are suggested to mark each day that this goal is accomplished on the calendar. Students who read 50 or more days will be treated to a “Picnic with the Principal” in the fall. Students who read 20, 30, or 40 days will also be awarded with a variety of prizes. Finally, children can record the title of the favorite book they read over the summer on a “watermelon seed” that will be displayed this fall.

If all the children involved in the Heifer International program read a total of 6,000 books, the Friends of the C.H. Booth Library will donate $600 dollars to Heifer International, an organization that delivers farm animals to families in need. “Children need to read 300 books to send two bee hives, 1,200 books for two goats, and 1,600 books for two llamas,” said Ms Meloni. If this goal is accomplished, children in need will be able to enjoy fresh honey, goat milk, and easy transportation on llamas, animals that can be sold and traded for extra income. For more information, contact the C.H. Booth Library’s Children’s Desk at 426-3851.