Parents are typically found at elementary schools, helping with crafts, parties, field trips, and more, but Lincoln Elementary School, Caldwell, brought parents in for a different type of help this year when they introduced the Parents as Reading Partners Program.
“We are proud of the consistent commitment from teachers and parents to support academic achievement for all students,” said Principal Adam Geher. “Parents work with teachers to extend learning beyond the classroom, and now, we want to build on our reputation as a school dedicated to intellectual advancement that is supported by outstanding parental participation. Parents as Reading Partners days will help us to do this.”
On the first Friday of each month, parents are greeted with coffee, tea and water in the school gym at the start of the school day, and then to their child’s classroom, where they recite the Pledge of Allegiance and begin 20 minutes of reading with their student. Each student is prepared for the visit with reading materials. If a parent can’t attend on one or more of the scheduled days, the school welcomes grandparents, aunts, uncles, babysitters, or family friends.
The school also encourages participation for parents who speak English as a second language. Children read the book in English, sharing their thoughts about the reading and the book in both English and the parent’s native language.
The first Reading as Partners day was held on October 3, with nearly 200 parents attending the event. Additional events are scheduled monthly throughout the year.
“Our goal is to enable both our students and our parents to share their enthusiasm for reading, show off their good reading habits, and of course enjoy time with family,” added Geher. “This gives parents a unique opportunity to spend time at school reading and talking about reading with their children, which will translate into reading success both here at Lincoln School and at home.”
For more information on Lincoln Elementary School, visit www.cwcboe.org/lincoln.
