Creating a Culture of Literacy

What happens to a school when it becomes so immersed in literacy that reading is a part of every child’s every day? What does that school look like?

Studies show that those schools find success in test scores—exit exams, end of course exams, college entrance exams. Studies show that those schools have higher graduation rates. And studies show that those students, those that become lifelong learners and readers, have
more success in their lives and become beneficial contributors to our democratic society.

Creating a culture of literacy is something that we have worked on here at Newberry High School. We have implemented sustained silent reading into our daily schedule. We have used book clubs, not only in English classes, but in human growth and development classes as well.
Teachers are using read-alouds to help students anticipate subject matter and build background knowledge. And the library has become a happening place to be. So what are you doing to help promote this culture we are striving to create? What more can you do?

It’s quite simple. You can promote literacy by using read-alouds in your classroom daily. Use picture books, newspaper articles, essays, or even primary documents to engage students in your lessons before you begin. Offer students time to reflect on reading and learning through a learning log, a journal, or an exit slip. Move away from your text book and make learning more authentic by offering authentic texts for students to sample from. And, lastly, show students what an adult reader looks like. You may be the only one he/she knows.