Across the Cherry Creek School District, students and teachers, parents and families, staff and community members are getting ready for “Cherry Creek Reads 2022,” a districtwide celebration of reading, coming up March 7-11.
The theme for the week is “Read Together, Better Together” and is based on the book Packs: Strength in Numbers by Hannah Salyer. It’s a captivating nonfiction book about the power of togetherness and strength in teamwork, a message that continues to be meaningful as we navigate a school year where connectedness is so important.
“When we read, we learn from and share the book characters' mistakes, challenges and experiences,” said Kim Casali, teacher librarian at Buffalo Trail Elementary. “We can learn about places we’ve never heard of or imaginary places that can take us on great adventures. Reading helps us to better understand and connect with other people, as well as relate to situations in our lives, with greater perspective.”
Reading – whether for pleasure, or for a purpose, like school or work – has many benefits. It’s no surprise that reading increases comprehension and vocabulary. In fact, children learn 4,000 to 12,000 new words every year through reading. Research has also shown that reading can increase empathy, ease depression, reduce stress and improve sleep!
Books also encourage us to think deeply about ourselves and others.
“Packs: Strength in Numbers prompts us to wonder and ask questions like: Which packs do I belong to? What is my role in my pack? What activities do you do with your pack? How do teamwork and togetherness make our pack stronger?” said Karen Connors, teacher librarian at High Plains Elementary. “This book reminds us that connectedness is what helps us thrive.”
Author Hannah Salyer will visit several Cherry Creek schools during Cherry Creek Reads Week to read her book and talk with students. That’s just one of the special activities planned districtwide, which range from students creating their own podcasts, videos or posters about books they enjoy or messaging a favorite author or illustrator, to schoolwide “Drop Everything and Read” time, just to name a few.
Cherry Creek Schools students, parents, teachers, staff, friends and family members are encouraged to read for 67 minutes or more during the week of the event. That’s one minute of reading for every CCSD school.
“We hope reading with your “pack” will help you remember that we are indeed ‘Better Together!’” Casali said.
So grab a book and join us for Cherry Creek Reads 2022!
Posted 2/17/2022.
