Little Miami Schools are committed to developing one powerful system for literacy development that serves the needs of all children. This system includes the partnership of community, parents and schools with a shared vision. A Literacy Committee has been formed at Little Miami that includes teachers, parents and community members. We are working on ways to strengthen these partnerships.

Literacy is not a K-2 initiative. It begins in infancy and continues through adulthood. Early literacy focuses on learning skills and developing a positive attitude toward learning. Later literacy development includes becoming skilled, independent thinkers who can make informed judgments about everyday life situations. From early infancy on, family members can participate in developing their children's literacy by interacting with them frequently, reading to them and showing them that reading is valued in the home. As children enter school, family members can support literacy development by expressing high expectations, volunteering to help in and out of the classroom, showing interest in the child's learning endeavors and becoming active in planning literacy activities.

The state of Ohio academic content standards for grades K-12 are available at www.ode.state.oh.us. These standards list the expectations of student learning at every grade level. This information will allow our partnership to stay informed of all current curriculum being taught.

Literacy Committee meetings are held regularly; times, dates and locations can be found on our District Events Calendar. Please join us to discuss programs and to develop new ideas. For more information, contact Lori Partin at lm_partin@swoca.net.

CURRENT PROGRAMS

• High School Athletes travel to elementary schools to read to students, allowing younger students to see them as "readers".
• Partners in Print - parents are trained as leaders to teach other parents reading strategies for emergent readers.
• Distribution of over 400 new books to students for "It's a Treat to Read" at Halloween.
• Author's breakfast - parents come before school to share in student successes in writing.
• Information on early literacy development given to parents through Salem Township Library programs.
• Everyday Math Curriculum introduction to district families.
• Book share at Intermediate - students bring a book and take a book.
• Increased communication with local daycare / preschools regarding curriculum.

PLANNED PROGRAMS

• Information on early literacy development to new parents in district.
• School library newsletter - previewing new books, tips, etc.
• Partner with Senior Citizen's Center for volunteers.
• Contract with families to turn off the television one night a week.
• Published books and student made books in waiting rooms in community.
• Tutoring programs for students and adults
• Million minutes for reading challenge

Accelerated Reader from Renaissance Learning

Research proves it! Guided independent reading practice significantly improves reading skills more than unguided reading practice without feedback.

Accelerated Reader® is an independent reading program using computer technology based on the fundamental principle that practice improves reading. This program is designed to motivate students to read, to monitor comprehension, and to guide independent reading practice so that a student's reading ability continually improves.

The Accelerated Reader® program is comprised of a series of leveled reading book quizzes published by Renaissance Learning, Inc. on books written by a variety of authors on a wide range of topics.

These lists are just a starting point in helping teachers, parents and students in selecting independent reading. A student's maturity level, reading ability, interests and his/her family preferences should always be considered when choosing books to read.

Renaissance Learning’s website contains information on their Accelerated Reader program and also a recently published Research Report on Guided Independent Reading.

To learn more about the Accelerated Reading Program visit http://www.renlearn.com/default.htm.