Students Celebrates Winter Break By Choosing Their Own Books
Fresno Unified Focuses on Keeping Kids Reading During Time Off
For many students, winter break means freedom from textbooks and classrooms, but for Fresno Unified, it’s an opportunity to encourage continued learning, particularly in a vital skill: reading.
This year, the district partnered with Scholastic and empowered students to choose their own books, bringing an element of excitement and ownership to the process.
“I really like this ‘Weird but True,'” said student Genesis Herrera, excitedly holding up her chosen book. “There are so many interesting things in it, it’s weird and crazy and unique, but it’s all true! I want to learn about them.”
Choosing their own books, instead of receiving pre-selected packs as in previous years, has made a significant difference.
“I know in the past we’ve given them packs, but those are already pre-assembled,” explained Addams Elementary School Principal Natanska Valtierra. “This year, they were able to choose their own books today, kind of like when they go to the book fair.”
The impact was evident in the students’ enthusiasm. Erykalyn Casares, another student at Addams Elementary, echoed the sentiment. “It’s fun because it has so many big words I can read,” Casares said, coupled with the perk of keeping occupied during the break.
And while a break from academics is essential, experts emphasize the importance of keeping those learned skills sharp. “If we don’t practice, then we’re not going to get better. So, I always tell them it’s kind of like when you’re going to the gym,” explained Valtierra, “You have to actually go and do it and practice.”
Herrera relates this to reading to further her own sister.
“If I read to her then I can teach her how to read and she will learn how to read even though she’s not in school yet,” Herrera stated showing a nice comprehension of reading
On top of empowering students with the book selection, Fresno Unified confirms they’ve reached an incredible milestone – delivering 1.5 million books to students over the last eight years. This year’s approach aimed to further ensure those books find their way intonese Hill High School in Fresnostory
true.
” a good investment in our kids reading.”
What are the key features and goals of Fresno Unified’s reading initiative, and how does it address the need for continued learning during winter break?
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