In 11 schools this year, Read Aloud WV tried a new program we’ve become really excited about. We distributed “Book Bundles” on a child’s favorite subject primarily to elementary school students. Each bundle contains five books on a subject the student choose earlier. These ranged from basketball, to pets, dance, reptiles, sharks, and more. This research-informed method motivates children to WANT to read, because motivation is the first step in developing any skill. Book Bundles help grow a child’s background knowledge and drives reading comprehension.
Students build fluency and confidence as they comb through their easier books. Knowledge gained there helps them to read more difficult books. Reading multiple texts on the same subject increases reading proficiency four times faster than other methods, according to the WV Department of Education. Book Bundles also build anticipation around reading. Even some of our most seasoned volunteers were even impressed by the level of excitement in the classrooms on unwrapping day.
More than 2,000 books were distributed through Book Bundles this past school year. We will be distributing more Book Bundles this coming school year based on the program’s success. Classrooms that are enrolled with Read Aloud WV are eligible to receive Book Bundles and other book distributions.
A special thanks to our funders for this program: the Bernard McDonough Foundation, the Dollar General Literacy Foundation, and the Arthur and Joan Weisberg Family Foundation.