READ ACROSS AMERICA IN MUSD Read Across America week in MUSD is an opportunity to encourage early literacy. The themed days, spirited breakfasts, and camaraderie among those in a child’s proverbial support village help drive the transition between ‘learning to read’ and ‘reading to learn’, a critical academic hurdle. When adults or older students model reading for primary students it helps reinforce positivity around reading. When students hear words pronounced and sentences articulated by experienced readers, it helps develop a student’s fluency and comprehension. All of this to say, Read Across America in MUSD is a strategic effort to help achieve grade level standards for our earliest readers. And this year, a few new titles have been added to the Read Across America library. Twenty new books which help cultivate love of reading, promote individual success as well as celebrate diversity and inclusion, were shared with each elementary school to launch Read Across America week. The week was divided into five themed days of reading: Day 1: Books that celebrate you Day 2: Books about taking action Day 3: Books that celebrate Own Voices Day 4: Books that give a different perspective Day 5: Books about influential Americans Senior Director of Elementary Education, Jenni
Andrews, kicked off the week via a virtual read aloud with, “The Day You Begin” by Jacqueline Woodson, a moving and inclusive story that encourages children to find the beauty in their own lives and share it with the world. Clara Schmiedt, Director of Secondary Education, chose, “Chocolate Milk, Por Favor” by Maria Dismondy for her virtual read aloud. A story about a young boy’s first day of school in America. “Chocolate Milk, Por Favor” highlights how a simple act of kindness is worth more than a thousand words— and that kindness is a universal language. Mr. Joseph Rasmussen, third grade teacher at Great Valley Elementary read, “I Promise” by LeBron James to his class, a story in which children promise to be their best selves. Each of these titles are representative of the themes for the week and part of the packaged twenty books delivered to sites. To visit Manteca Unified’s virtual read aloud library, which features more exciting titles, visit: www.mantecausd.net/virtualreadalouds
