Read For 2003 is a great opportunity to foster interaction with parents and members of your local community.

Who to Invite | Getting Parents Involved | Getting Media Coverage

Who to Invite

Look who teachers invited to join their class's celebration in previous years!

"It was truly a Community effort." Sandy B. in New Jersey invited the Township Police Department to join them to Read For 2002—7 officers AND the Chief of Police were there, as well as parents, the Director of Reading, and a guidance counselor. Each of her 2nd grade students had at least one adult to read with. "It was an INCREDIBLE experience for everyone involved!"

Rich B's 3rd grade students in New York invited their families—parents, grandparents, siblings, aunts, and uncles—to read with them. They also invited the High School Student Council, (who had so much fun that they visited the class several more times through out the year for a variety of activities). They were all on the 7 p.m. news that night. "It was awesome. So much has come from the program that the kids can't wait to Read For 2003!"

Marlita S. of Arkansas entitled her class's Read For 2002 celebration "I Can Teach the World to Read and Even the Community" and invited 10 different community leaders—including a TV personality, a banker, a worker from the local recycling company, a hospice coordinator, a school board member, plus a surprise guest: Santa Claus!

Mike C. in Ohio surprised his 3rd graders with special guests for Read For 2002: the town mayor, a police officer, a local television meteorologist, and the principal. They all shared stories and explained how important reading is in their jobs. After reading, they had a pizza party and awards ceremony. Visit Mike's Web site for pictures from the event: http://south.milfordschools.org/cann%20photogallery.htm.

In Mississippi, Vicki C's entire school read together for Read For 2002. Parents and school alumni joined them. They all loved it! And got lots of publicity in the local paper.

Their parents, principal, superintendent, and State Senator shared favorite books with Stephanie N's 4th grade class for Read For 2002!

Stephanie M's 5th grade class had a very special guest from their community for Read For 2002: the first lady of Pennsylvania, Ms. Schweiker!

Lhani van L., of Pinecrest Elementary in California took her 15 first graders and 8 of their fourth grade reading buddies to a local veteran's hospital for Read For 2001. Each child paired off with a veteran to read him or her a story, then moved around the room to read to another. Names and personal stories were exchanged, and the students went back once a month to read, share art projects, and just to talk.

Diane C.'s fifth grade class in Harrison, New Jersey, had players from the New York Jets reading with them for 2001 seconds!

Barb R.'s second graders at the Lincoln School in Michigan, took a Read For 2001 field trip to a Medical Care Facility. The students took turns reading and visiting with the patients and gave each patient a pinecone angel ornament that they had made. After the reading was over, they all sang Christmas Carols. They planned to make it an annual event.

Kim H.'s fifth graders invited the children at the local Head Start in Montana to join them for Read For 2001. Each of the older children read to a younger one.

Staci P. in Virginia encouraged her entire school to participate in Read For 2001. They had guests from the local news stations, college athletes, and other respected citizens from the community join them to read with the students.

Susan M., a 3rd grade teacher in New Jersey, had a goal for Read For 2000: to get 2000 people in her community of Washington Township to read together. Students, staff, and family members all met at elementary schools, the administration building, the township library, the hospital, the senior centers, and the municipal building. It was a spectacular community-wide event!

Share your ideas for Read For 2003! — Click here!