A Better Childhood (ABC): Reading is Fundamental
Louisiana-MississippiWest Tennessee District of Circle K International
2007-2008 District Service Initiative Every year, the District Board discusses proposals for a district-wide service initiative. This year’s board chose “Reading is Fundamental”, to continue with the A Better Childhood (ABC) theme. All clubs in the district are highly encouraged to participate in this year-long initiative and develop service projects to go along with it.
Books, books, books…
Hold a book drive Raise money to buy books Apply for a grant to purchase books Make it a contest! Compete with a local Kiwanis Club and a Key Club to see who can collect the most books! The winner: the children!
Read Aloud! ď Ź
ď Ź
Research shows that one of the most beneficial actions a person can take to help a child succeed in life is to read aloud to them. Listening comprehension develops faster than reading comprehension, so you can read a book slightly higher than their personal reading level and expose them to new vocabulary, which they may actually understand.
In the Classroom…
Develop a working relationship with the local school district. Volunteer to read to the children on a routine basis (once a week, once a month, etc.). Work with the teachers to possibly locate books that coincide with the curriculum. Read to the whole class, a small group, or even just one child!
Children & Classroom Libraries: Book Donation
At home, children like to have a collection of books to read. At school, teachers make their own classroom library so that children have books to read when they have extra time. DONATE books you read to each child (if you have an abundance), or to the teacher (so that the children can re-read the book later).
K-Family Collaboration!
Not only can you ask Kiwanis and Key Club to help you collect children’s books, but you can also include them in implementing the project. Request that they help you read to the children. (There are a lot of classrooms and a lot of children.) –
Kiwanians can come on their lunch break; Key Clubbers can take an hour out of their school schedule for a service field trip (provided that their school allows them.)
They would also be participating in the actual book donation.
2007-2008 International Service Initiative The International Service Initiative is Focusing on the Future: Children! This year’s emphasis is “Open a Book, Show them the World!” Similar to the district initiative, this project encourages Circle K members to read to children.
Get to Work!
NOW is the time to start planning!!
BE the motivational force in your club. OPPORTUNITY is knocking at your door. Take it! OPTIONS are abundant. Flexibility is key! KNOW that you have the support of the Kiwanis Family behind you.
SHOW your love for children and for service by participating in this initiative.