Lasting Impressions

Lasting Impressions, 2008-2009  A High School Teacher's Response 
I was very happy to learn that we were going to start the program, “Lasting Impressions”. I have been the recipient of a number of books this year. I have a large classroom library and I am always looking for new books for my collection. At the same time, my students are always looking for books that they have not read and are interested in reading.
 Since I teach Intensive Reading, I am using the Great Source textbooks. Before we start a new essay, I usually bring in an article or a short story that related to the essay. I read this as part of the introduction. Some of the students use their background knowledge to relate to the essay even before it begins. They also enjoy hearing the teacher read as we, as teachers, use so much more emphasis when we read aloud.
I am pleased to say that this has paid off. I read, they learn, and we get free books. It couldn’t be simpler or more pleasant for the students as well as for me. I hope we will be able to continue the program next year. Thank you, Linda, for all of your hard work.
Jewel Faerber, Estero High School

LASTING IMPRESSIONS
Did you know that one tried and true factor to increase independent reading, vocabulary and comprehension is reading aloud to the student? While there are a multitude of reasons to read aloud, here are just a few:

*Children have opportunities to interact with concepts in books that would
normally be too difficult at the independent reading level.
*Vocabulary development becomes a natural by-product, as words
are read and discussed in context.
*Students are often captured by an author's style and will seek more books
by that same author.
*Younger students w ill want to reread picture books that you have read in class.
*An adult reading aloud to a child is the ultimate role model scenario.
 *Interests expand as new genre is introduced with read-aloud selections.

Read --aloud time provides "Lasting Impressions" that stay with the reader forever. Add reading aloud to your class as part of a daily routine. Lee County Reading Council wants to reward the members who read aloud to their classes and here’s how: Display the Read -Aloud Chart with the 20 book logos. (Lasting Impressions Book Chart and Information Form are on-line at www.leecountyreadingcouncil.com or available at our General Meetings)

Each time you read to your class for 15 minutes, color in one book. When all 20 books are colored in, complete the information form and with the book chart send to Karen DiBella, Gulf Middle School

You will receive a free age appropriate book for your class library and a new book chart so you can continue to read for pleasure each and every day.

While the program is FREE, it is for LCRC members only. If you have not joined or need to renew, please do so today. If you begin reading aloud every day, you will fill up a chart in 20 school days. That's 300 minutes of reading! Your students will gain a love of literacy. It's so simple! So important! So wonderful!

LASTING IMPRESSIONS - LEE COUNTY READING COUNCIL
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Please print the following information clearly.
Teacher: __________________________________________Grade:____________
School: _______________________________________________________________
Address if private school: ________________________________________________
Send to: Karen DiBella, Gulf Middle School