Issue link: https://trevordayschool.uberflip.com/i/1518706
When this happens, children tend to stick to that one genre, rather than explore the many other possibilities. Reading aloud to children presents an opportunity to widen their exposure to other forms of quality literature while also creating a meaningful bonding experience! Sunny's Book Club was created for just that reason. Trevor's book- sharing program launched a couple of years ago and was started to bridge the connection between the home and the library, as well as to promote a love of listening to stories. Each day, our Kindergarten students choose a picture book from a bin of books that is carefully curated by Elaine Kaufmann, the Lower School Librarian. These books range from short to long, from fiction to nonfiction, from wordless picture books to poetry books, and highlight some wonderful options from the library's vast collection. For our older students, there are book clubs that 4th- and 5th-grade students and their families can participate in over winter and spring breaks and over the summer. Families are offered a few different titles, and they can select one to read. When books are selected, diverse themes and characters are considered, as well as introducing students to new authors. Families can choose to read the book together, as a read-aloud, or take turns reading it and then discussing it. After book club members read Wishtree by Katherine Applegate, the art department created a tree collage in the lobby, and students were invited to add their wishes to the tree. This project, which started as a literacy experience, brought multiple departments together. For our students, this collaboration was extremely special as it showed them how the pages of a book can transform into life. Another way we promote a love of literacy at Trevor is through the library. Trevor has two library spaces in the Lower School—the Book Nook on the early childhood floor and the Gallogly Family Library on the first floor. Each morning, before school officially begins, the library is open to students and families to have a quiet moment to browse the bookshelves and check out books to take home. Families are encouraged to grab a stack of picture books or a chapter book (or five!) to take home and read as a family. For many families, mornings or afternoons at the library have become a cherished family tradition and are a great way to begin or end the school day. A central component of the library is the weekly library class in which each grade participates. During this time, the children hear wonderful stories, choose books to check out, and share literacy-rich experiences with their classmates. Ms. Kaufmann and the other library teachers highlight books that might appeal to each class and grade. They are also wonderful resources for our students, as they love giving book recommendations, and stay up to date on the latest trends in children's literature so that our libraries remain current and relevant. The weekly library class is incredibly special—both for our Trevor students and our Trevor teachers! Being part of the Trevor community— whether as a student, a family, or a faculty or staff member—means many things. It means having a built-in family. It means having a supportive environment. It means having fun while learning. It also means always having access to books. The reading program and all that it entails are essential components of Trevor's beating heart. Trevor's goal is to instill a love of reading and develop lifelong readers who will go on to have magical adventures—just like the ones they read about in books! n TREVOR DAY SCHOOL / 21 INSIDE TREVOR TREVOR TRANSLATES FEATURE AR TICLES ALUMNI