February is "For the Love of Reading" month at Harrison Preschool, a time to celebrate the spark that ignites a lifelong journey of learning. We know that literacy is the cornerstone of student success; it is the fundamental skill that allows students to explore every other subject, from mathematics to the arts.
To emphasize that reading is a value shared by our entire district, Superintendent Dr. Stewart Pratt visited our preschool classrooms this morning for a special read-aloud session.
Dr. Pratt sat down with our youngest learners to share a beloved Berenstain Bears story, Bears in the Night. The preschoolers were absolutely captivated, following along as the bears ventured out into the night.
For Dr. Pratt, the choice of book was personal—it is a story he used to read to his daughter, Cara, when she was a child. Seeing our Superintendent step away from his desk to engage directly with our students over a storybook serves as a powerful reminder: Reading is a gift we pass down from one generation to the next.
Why is this focus on early literacy so critical? At Harrison Schools, we understand that reading aloud does so much more than just entertain:
Building Language and Phonemic Awareness: Rhythmic and repetitive stories like Bears in the Night help children recognize the patterns and sounds of language. This awareness is a primary predictor of how easily a child will learn to read and write independently later on.
Expanding Vocabulary and Knowledge: Books often contain "rare" words that we don't use in everyday conversation. Exposure to this diverse vocabulary in preschool helps bridge the "word gap," ensuring students enter kindergarten with the language skills they need to thrive.
Cultivating Focus and Curiosity: Engaging with a story in a classroom setting builds the "attentional stamina" and listening skills necessary for academic achievement. It transforms a child's natural curiosity into a deep-seated love for discovery.
Social and Emotional Learning: Stories allow children to explore new environments and situations from a place of safety. This helps them develop empathy and emotional resilience as they navigate the world.
Modeling Success and Connection: When our leaders take the time to read, it reinforces that literacy is a priority at every level of our district. It shows students that reading isn't just a school task—it's a valued, lifelong skill that connects us to one another.
The laughter and wide-eyed wonder in the classroom today proved that a good book is one of the most powerful tools we have. We are so proud of our preschool Goblins for their enthusiasm, and we are grateful to Dr. Pratt for helping us show that the world inside a book is always worth exploring.
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