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Dear Colleague,
Reading has the power to change lives. Reading provides a
lifelong education and develops personal and social awareness—
ensuring a brighter future for our children and our world. As
adults who value reading and its long-term benefits to individ-
uals and communities, we must do everything in our power to
engage children with reading. Through decades of research and
the models of reflective educators, we have identified the factors
that foster reading engagement at home and school:
• Access to books
• Choice in reading material
• Reading role models
• Daily reading time
Through our book programs and resources, Scholastic commits to building positive
reading communities for children every day. Each summer, Scholastic Book Fairs
®
holds
Reading Summits across the country. Teachers, librarians, administrators, parents, and
authors gather to exchange ideas, learn together, celebrate books and reading, and
network with like-minded colleagues. Long after Reading Summits end, these events
continue to provide support and foster collaboration. Each year, Reading Summits
improve as we continue to add new content, feature current voices in children’s
literature and education, and provide follow-up outreach and resources.
I believe we can change the reading lives of children. When we place books in
children’s hands—books they can read and express interest in reading—children
read more. When we provide families with information about reading at home and
resources—children read more. When we increase awareness and implementation
of best practices in our schools—children read more. We can engage children with
reading and improve their lives, but it takes all of us. I know that you share this mission.
You’ve raised readers. You’ve taught readers. You’ve influenced and inspired other
educators. Your work is changing reading for kids—for the better.
Welcome to the 2016 Scholastic Book Fairs Reading Summit! We look forward to
learning with you.
Warmly,
Donalyn Miller
Manager, Independent Reading Outreach for Scholastic Book Fairs