Plymouth Elementary kicks off “One Plymouth One Book”

Plymouth Elementary School recently kicked off their second annual “One Plymouth One Book” reading initiative with a book reveal party. Over the next month, Plymouth Elementary families will be reading The World According to Humphrey by Betty G. Birney.

“It is exciting that everyone is reading the same book, because everyone knows about it and we can all talk about it at recess,” said Maddie Reed, a third grader in Mrs. Morris’s class.

During the evening book reveal party, families colored bookmarks, enjoyed milk and cookies and heard a special message about the value of reading at home from the first and second grade teachers, reading specialist Jen Ramsden and specialist teachers Christi Rabenda and Janette O’Keefe. Everyone settled in to hear the first chapter read aloud, and each family left with their own copy of this year’s “One Plymouth One Book” title.

To help create a habit of reading together at home, families were encouraged to:

• Set aside a regular time to read with their child
• Create a distraction-free environment
• Use fun voices and make sounds
• Encourage questions about the book
• Have fun

“Reading at home is such a beneficial and special time for families,” said PE reading specialist Jen Ramsden. “Time spent together reading can strengthen family bonds through sharing personal experiences and stories. Children love to hear stories about their family members when they were school age. Children’s literature often provides a great springboard to share stories and memories.”

In school, PE students will participate in The World According to Humphrey-based trivia games and activities as part of “One Plymouth One Book”.