iRead

iRead  is an initiative by the Oklahoma State Department of Education to ensure literacy for all Oklahomans from birth to 12th grade.

Literacy is more than just reading. It is how we listen and understand what others are saying and learning to communicate in return. Being literate means we listen, we speak, we read, we write.

The iRead initiative asks all parents and educators to read to children and to provide opportunities for children to read on a daily basis. Talk with your children and ask questions. Listen to your child’s interpretation of what’s being read. Know a child’s reading level. Take children to places that spark conversations about what they are seeing and learning.  Speak positively as this will encourage a child to verbalize.

Play is a huge component of aiding a child’s literacy skills. While you’re driving in the car, play the ABC game by find objects that begin with each letter of the alphabet, and make up and sing silly songs and rhymes.

Literacy is the foundation of all other learning. It is the key to our third-grade graduation reform, which requires all students to be reading on grade level by the end of third grade before being promoted. This will help ensure future success as a child progresses through school.

As we implement Oklahoma C³ Standards, literacy will be woven through all other curricula, from math to science to social studies to music, art and technology.

Literacy also is a key to meeting Achieving Classroom Excellence requirements.  And, literacy is imperative to our goal of making each student in Oklahoma College, Career and Citizen ready by the time they graduate high school.

Check the links below for further resources such as lists of best books to read by age level and for ideas of games to play that will encourage literacy skills. We also have links for local activities that will encourage literacy.

Most of all read, read, read, read!

As part of the iRead initiative, we would like to promote the Oklahoma 529 College Savings Plan, which has partnered with the Oklahoma Department of Libraries to offer two lucky 2012 Summer Reading Program participants the chance to win a $2,529 college savings account. One winner each will be chosen from the Children and Teen programs. Also, the library where the winners entered will each receive $1,000 to go toward its reading programs.

To enter, parents, grandparents or guardians of Summer Reading Program participants must complete the sweepstakes entry form available at participating Oklahoma libraries or enter online at www.ok4saving.org. Sweepstakes entry forms may be completed and returned to the library or returned by mail. Entries must be postmarked by July 31, 2012 and received by August 10, 2012 or submitted online by July 31, 2012.


The Think Big! Save for College! Sweepstakes runs May 15 to July 31. Visit your local public library or www.ok4saving.org for sweepstakes official rules and prize details.  No purchase necessary.  Void where prohibited.

Resources:

Students:

The Adventures of Herman the Worm - From the University of Illinois Urban Programs Resource Network
Clifford the Big Red Dog - From PBS Kids
Reading and Literacy Resources - OSDE

Parents/Families:

America Reads: Families - From the U.S. Department of Education
Reading and Literacy - OSDE
Reading Rockets | Literacy Resources for Parents - From WETA Washington's Educational Television Association
Reading Rockets Spanish - From WETA Washington's Educational Television Association
Top 100 Children's Books of All-Time - Children's Books Guide

Teachers and Families:

40 Books Every Child Should Read (and adults, too) - From the Half Price Blog
50 Best Children’s Books and Printable Bookmarks - From the Tip Junkie Blog
Children’s Literacy Infographic (jpg) - From USC Rossier School of Education
One More Story - An Online Library Helping Pre-Readers and Early Readers Learn to Read
Reading is Fundamental - Literacy Resources for Teachers and Families
We Give Books - for every online book read, a hard copy is donated to children in need

Recommended K-2 Reading: 

For Children - From the Woodbridge, New Jersey Public Library

75 Books that Build Character: 

No Time for Flashcards - Play and Learning Activities for Babies, Toddlers, and Kids - Blog

50 Books to Read before Kindergarten:

Education.com | An Education & Child Development Site for Parents | Parenting & Educational Resources - Outside Link

English Language Arts page:

Language Arts - OSDE