Literacy Warriors
By: Mina Gonzalez
Literature creates vast possibilities for students’ imaginations. A good book can take you to a world where ships can fly and children never grow older, or a world where chores are done using a magic wand. The influence of a good book can foster creativity and individuality. Every great education starts with a good book. El Monte City School District recognizes the importance of books in aiding intellectual and emotional growth and strives to encourage students to read every day. Recently, Durfee held a Literacy Night event where students and families came together to travel the world and read stories about various cultures.
The event consisted of traveling to different countries, which were represented by different tables that had crafts that coincided with corresponding literature. Students received a passport to check off at each table after their visit. From alligator puppets to paper flowers, the activities were a great experience. The most important aspect of literacy night were the bonds that were reinforced between students and their families.
According to research by the National Literacy Trust, families who are involved in their child's reading and activities have a positive impact on reading achievement, language comprehension, and attitude towards reading. Durfee Librarian and Literacy Night Coordinator, Ms. Christina Womack, stated, “I’m a big believer in Literacy Nights, because that exposes the parents to that bond they can have with their student and what’s going on at their school.” Books are windows to a new world, and being able to explore them with others is a profound and memorable experience.
Another highlight of Literacy Night was the unveiling of the Warrior Book Bot at Durfee’s library. This wonderful tool works much like a traditional vending machine, only instead of sweets or pop, it vends books! “We also hope that Warrior Book Bot impacts reading self-efficacy and the love for reading. Warrior Book Bot also offers books for our Multilingual Learners in Spanish and we plan to bring other languages as well”, stated Durfee’s Assistant Principal Cherie Luna. Students can earn coins that work with the Warrior Book Bot by exchanging Warrior Bucks or by doubling their grade-level reading count goal. Assistant Principal Luna and Ms. Gomez, Durfee Dual Language Immersion Teacher, were able to obtain a grant from School’s First that assisted in acquiring the Warrior Book Bot. This makes the experience of new books and reading interactive and fun.
Collaborative events like Literacy Night solidify the corroboration between reading and comprehension. With help from families and school staff, the journey to success is limitless for students who wish to thrive for something greater. Reach out, grab a book, and enjoy the expedition!
