Auburn Elementary uses reading program to build relationships
Auburn Elementary School librarian Martha Parker (far left) addresses the more than 300 people who showed up at the school Thursday night to celebrate its fifth year of the “One School, One Book” reading program. Travis Williams | The Burgs
Whether it’s a movie, a vacation spot, or just the latest flavor of Doritos, having common interests can help people build relationships.
Providing such an experience is exactly what Auburn Elementary School’s “One School, One Book” reading program is intended to do.
More than 300 people showed up at the school Thursday night to celebrate its fifth year of the program, along with its fifth completed book, Gertrude Warner’s “The Boxcar Children.”
Families gathered in the school’s cafeteria where they were put into groups and then dispersed to four Boxcar Children-themed stations located throughout the building. Relay races were held in the gym, book trivia in the school’s literacy labs, craft making from recycled goods in the art rooms, and special cherry cobbler was served in the cafeteria.
Though the children were the obvious focus, the overall program reaches beyond the school doors.
Thanks to grants, Parent Teacher Student Organization donations, and Title I funding, a copy of the book was not only provided for each student’s family, but also for every Auburn Elementary School employee, including bus drivers, custodians and cafeteria workers.
The family members and school employees began reading the book together Jan. 19 and followed the same reading schedule over the two-week period, said Auburn principal Marcia Settle.
Settle said she believes reading the book in this way strengthens the connection between school and home for students and their parents.
Auburn fourth-grader Donavan Wall agreed.
“I liked that we can all talk about it together,” he said.
Donavan, his third-grade sister Trinity, and first-grade brother Hadyn all agreed they enjoyed the book and the program, but it might have been their great-grandmother Reva Turner who enjoyed it the most.
“It was an awesome book,” Turner said.
She said the overall experience had really brought her family together.
Turner’s thoughts were echoed by the majority of parents in attendance, many saying they would read the book aloud to their children each night.
That type of shared experience is exactly what Settle said the program was intended to cultivate.
“It [the book] can be that piece that brings people together because even if you’re different, you have a common experience,” she said.
The Roanoke Times | 381-1643
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