If you give a kindergartner a take home bookbag...

They'll fill it with their favorite books...

They'll take those books home and show them to other children at home...

When they show them, they'll ask their caregiver to read with them...

They'll read them all, but they'll want more, so their caregiver will take them to the library...

When they go to the library, the caregiver will find a copy of that book they've heard so much about...

They'll all fill up their arms with all sorts of new books...

and if they have all sorts of new books, they'll need a bookbag to with them.

I am English Language teacher at Springville K-8 school.  I am working with over 35 students this year in my Integrated Kindergarten ELD teacher role and would like to support our youngest learners in developing an identity as a reader. The BEF books will be used to develop a library that allows students to check out books each week to take home for practice. My goal isn't to get just any books into students hands, but to send them home with at least 5 "just right books" each week.  When given books at their level, kids can read without the support of parents if needed (busy schedules, parents working multiple jobs etc). Eventually I hope to build up a library that will  allow students to take home books every day (vs weekly).

The impact of this project is not just for the student.  Often, parents and extended family at home are also not fluent in English or reading, this program will also provide opportunities for other family members to engage in reading.  Over the years, I have had families share how sending books home makes ALL the difference. 

I will be looking to get approximately 75-100 books at  1-3 Yellow and 1-2 Green (5 levels total).   Most books at these earlier reading levels need to be ordered by book companies (American Reading Company, Mackin, Lakeshore, Lerner, Pioneer Valley Books etc).  Books ordered through these companies tend to cost between $5-10 a piece and this is where it adds up quickly.  I am basing my request on a $5 per book average (96 books x 5 Levels @  approx $5 each = $2400).  Any students (both ELD and non-ELD students) that I support in my reading groups will have an opportunity to take books home (over 175 books will be going home each week) .  I would love to think that we could do this for every student eventually.  For now, my team is excited for me to begin this program for students with which I work.