State Project
State Goals - 2014
“Raising Young Readers”
Emphasis: Promote appreciation of reading and develop comprehension skills in young
children through primary grades.
Mission Statement
 To encourage early childhood literacy skills reading to and supplying children and
families with books and activities supported by OHCE members.
 To recognize and promote the value of reading to young children.
 To become aware of diversity in your community by promoting and understanding and
accepting others.
YEAR TWO EMPHASIS
Suggested audience: Second and third grade students
New reading level mandates in Oklahoma public schools require third grade students to be
reading at or above grade level before being promoted to the next grade. So this age group needs
special attention in reaching this goal.
For information on the mandate, review it in the State Department of Education’s website:
www.ok.gov/sed In the home page, click on search “Reading Sufficiency Act”.
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Obtaining entry to classrooms by offering to serve as a reading aid or tutor.
Seek out opportunities for one on one reading. Ask the teacher for guidance.
Offer to prepare a reading corner. Examples: Beanbags, pillows, stuffed animals, dress in
character.
Above information edited from: “7 Keys to Comprehension” by Susan Zimmerman and
Chryse Hutchins, Three Rivers Press, 2003 ISBN: 0-7615-1549-6
Resources for Year Two:
Kohl’s Department Stores offers books and related activity application products, monthly at
reduced rate books. See store registers for details.
Grant applications can be obtained for readers in this age group from:
Walmart: www.walmartfoundation.org/grants
Early Childhood Grants from Target: www.corporate.target/corporate-responsibility/grants
Early Childhood Development for Raising Young Readers
 Introduce OHCE members to “Growing Strong Bodies and Minds” curriculum and tool
kit located in each county Extension office. Contact your local FCS Educator for more
details.
 This program tool kit promotes literacy skills with emphasis on nutrition and physical
activities through 9 lessons. Materials are divided into two age groups, appropriate for
children ages pre-school-7 years.
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Suggested Activities for use of the kit:
Make contact with Head Start Programs, day care centers and schools to arrange for
OHCE members to present a time of reading and other related programs to students and
families.
Develop an award for “most books read by families” an example might be to provide a
pizza party and present ribbons to the children.
Tips for reading to students:
Before story time begins, encourage imagery, have children use a “motion picture camera”, hand
held to the ear as if turning a crank. Remind to use their ears, and minds to envision the story
about to be told.
1. Read for meaning. Slowly unfold the story. Use of dramatic props, a simple costume.
2. Children sit in an attentive position. Example: criss-cross applesauce sitting on the floor.
3. Include a “post” exercise. Discussion is good, 8-10 minutes.
4. Reinforcement drawing session, if age appropriate.
5. Ask how does the group relate the story to their locale?
Future State Project efforts may include:
 Encourage members to purchase books to be donated to underserved groups,
i.e., Women’s Shelters, substance abuse recovery centers and prison system incarcerated
parents to read to their visiting children.
 Indentify programs that encourage adult literacy skill development.
Libraries, G.E. D. and other adult education programs.
 Suggested to identify and work with other literacy oriented organizations.
 Observe national reading days. January 23 is National Reading Day. Google for more.
Reporting:
The committee encourages those local groups and counties who prior to July 10, 2012 had an
existing literacy projects to also report their projects in 2012 reporting.
Awards:
County Awards:
1st Place $20, 2nd Place$15, 3rd Place $10
Local Awards:
1st Place $20, 2nd Place $15, 3rd Place $10
Committee Members:
Debra Stevenson, Terrie DeShazo, SW District, Co-Chairs
Connie Bradstetter, NE District, Connie LaGrow, NW District