Student, Teacher and Parent/Guardian Expectations

Active Participation: Students are expected to actively engage in the WATERTOWN READS reading initiative by participating in designated reading activities, challenges, and events. This could include a kick-off event, reading contests, or other literacy-focused events.

Commitment to Reading Goals: Students are expected to follow set reading goals designated. This commitment helps foster a culture of literacy and encourages students to prioritize reading as a regular part of their academic and personal lives.

Exploration of Diverse Literature: Students are able to explore a variety of literary genres, authors, and perspectives based on the year's selection. The initiative may promote reading materials that reflect the diversity of cultures, experiences, and voices within the community.

Involvement in Community Events: Students may have an opportunity to participate in community-wide reading events. This involvement not only supports the district's goals but also fosters a sense of community and shared literary experiences.

Collaboration with Peers: The initiative may encourage students to collaborate with their peers, engage in discussions, or joint reading activities. Collaborative reading experiences can enhance understanding and promote a sense of shared learning.

Regular Reading Habits: Students are expected to develop and maintain regular reading habits. This may involve dedicating specific time to reading each day, both in and outside of the classroom.

Reflection on Reading: Students may be asked to reflect on their reading experiences, sharing insights, challenges, and personal connections to the material. Reflection helps students develop a deeper understanding of the texts they encounter.

Support for Struggling Readers: The initiative may emphasize the importance of peer support and mentorship for struggling readers. Students could be encouraged to help their peers improve their reading skills and share their enthusiasm for books.

Incorporation of Technology: Students might be expected to leverage technology for reading, whether through e-books, audiobooks, or digital reading platforms. This embraces the changing landscape of literacy and encourages students to use technology in a constructive way.

Celebration of Achievements: Students are expected to celebrate their reading achievements, whether individually or as a group. Recognition and celebration reinforce the value of their efforts and contribute to a positive reading culture.

 Promotion of a Love for Reading: Teachers are expected to inspire a love for reading by supporting the committee selection in their classroom, fostering a positive reading environment, and modeling enthusiasm for literature.

Encourage Family and Community Involvement: Teachers should actively involve parents and the community in the reading initiative. This could include participating in school literacy events, sharing reading resources with parents/guardians, and fostering a community-wide appreciation for literacy.

 Use of Technology in Reading Instruction: Teachers should encourage the integration of technology in reading. This may include having students utilize educational apps, online reading platforms, or digital resources to enhance the reading experience for students.

Leadership in Creating a Reading Culture: Teachers are seen as leaders in creating a reading culture within their classrooms and the school. This involves promoting the reading initiative, talking with students about the selection, and participating in kick-off events and contribute to a positive and vibrant reading atmosphere.

Encouragement of Reading at Home: Parents/Guardians are expected to encourage and foster a positive reading environment at home. This includes providing access to to the committee selection provided, setting aside time for family reading, and expressing the value in reading.

Regular Reading with Children: Parents/Guardians are encouraged to read regularly with their children. Shared reading experiences can strengthen the parent/guardian-child bond, promote a love for reading, and provide opportunities for discussion about the content.

Participation in Literacy Events: Parents/Guardians are encouraged to participate in literacy events organized by the school or district. This may include conversation cards, reading contests, or other resources and tips for supporting children's literacy at home.

Use of Technology for Literacy: Parents/Guardians are encouraged to explore and use technology that supports literacy development, such as educational apps, audiobooks, and online reading platforms. Technology can be a valuable tool in enhancing the reading experience.

Promotion of Reading as a Fun Activity: Parents/Guardians should promote the idea that reading is a fun and enjoyable activity.