McVay Elementary School is embarking on a special project called One School, One Book, an all-school reading club. Thanks to a generous gift from the PTA, each student received a copy of the same book, Charlotte’s Web, by E.B White. They have been asked to read it aloud at home during the next 14 school days. Through its One School, One Book program, McVay aims to build a community of readers at school. Everyone is participating, including pupils, parents, teachers, office workers, cafeteria personnel and custodians.
Reading professionals recommend reading material aloud that is beyond a child’s reading level. Reading chapter books with children, even when they are able to read by themselves, is also beneficial. McVay selected Charlotte’s Web as a title that can be followed, understood and enjoyed by younger students, but that will still captivate and interest older children.
In school, the youngsters will be invited to answer daily trivia questions to encourage and reward attentive and active listening. Throughout the building, there will be various activities that will further enrich the reading experience such as character visits, literacy night, and fundraising for a local animal sanctuary that rescues farm animals. Drama students from Westerville South High School will come at the end of the adventure to perform in Charlotte’s Web.