“I Love To Read” Read-a-Thon and “Imagination Express”
The purpose of the entire program is to encourage students and people to enjoy reading and to use their imaginations. The program also proposes to encourage people in living life emotionally and creatively fulfilled and building a healthy self-image. The public school will measure outcomes by providing each classroom with a pre-and post-read-a-thon presentation survey, looking at level of interest in reading, support and encouragement levels students receive in areas of using their imagination and creativity, their interest in using these skills, as well as other tools they have to handle difficult situations. The libraries will conduct exit interviews to gain feedback and overall responses. The program aims to empower students by building personal satisfaction and responsibility in encouraging students to record their individual progress on their bookmarks, using creative outlets and learning opportunities for handling difficult life situations.
We gave K-6th graders a pre- and post-presentation survey to gather information on the impact of the program and to assess the changes experienced from participation in the presentation. The following is a description of the responses on both pre- and post- surveys. Kids learned that writing and drawing are ways to express your imagination. In response to the post- survey question, How can you use your imagination?, one student responded, “Imagine things that are impossible.” In response to the post- survey question Did you learn any new tools for solving problems with friends? one child responded, “words.” In responding to new ways to be creative, one student said, “Nancy Carlson said you should never erase in art.” Overall responses to the presentation included: The presentation was really fun!!!, I LOVED THE PRESENTATION!!, It was just amazing, she is the best one who wrote the best books., It was awesome! “I liked the presentation, it was awesome!” “I loved it!” “It was amazing! I love your books.” Students' joy of reading showed to increase anywhere from 10-30%, according to the surveys.
Traverse des Sioux Library System and Sleepy Eye Public School Parent Teacher Student Association. Partner Organization Contribution/Role in the Program: Sleepy Eye Public School PTSA covered the overage spent on the program.