The Foundation voted to fund the first grade’s Book in a Bag program in 2006, and approved funds to purchase additional books in 2008. This is a take-home book program designed to build reading fluency and involve parents in the process of learning to read. All first graders are involved. Research shows that especially in early readers, reading repeated familiar text builds fluency, including the recognition of sight words. In later reading levels, reading for expended periods of time like 15 to 20 minutes builds endurance and concentration.
Several times a week the students bring home one just right book in a bag from the classroom collection. In most cases this book will be at their independent reading level. Students are to read the book for about 15 minutes. In the case of easier or shorter books this means students will read the book 3 or 4 times. In longer books, students will read the book one time to complete the selection. Students need to return the book in the bag to school the following day. First graders may read to parents, brothers and sisters, relatives and babysitters. The most important part of this program is to read!
According to first grade teacher Amy Shapiro, who proposed this program: “The addition of the Book in the Bag Program has allowed first graders the opportunity to bring home books on their instructional reading level to share with families. As a result of this program parents are involved and included in their children’s process of learning to read. For the students, having the chance to select books to bring home that reflect their interest has been motivating. This program has allowed them to read material at home that is matched to their “just right reading level” where they feel safe and successful. For the parents the book in a bag program has eliminated the challenge of trying to find books that interest their children and that are matched to the child’s instructional reading level. The Book in the Bag Program has strengthened the home school connection.”