Classic Books Program

The students at Wilder Elementary have the opportunity to participate in an exciting volunteer enrichment program known as Classic Books.  The purpose of the program is to encourage children to read, and to enrich that reading experience through a discussion with peers and adults.

The students will have an orientation to explain what will be expected of them. The books will be assigned and students will have approximately 2 - 3 weeks to finish the book unless the teacher has chosen a different model that better suits the students’ needs.

The student commitment is to read the assigned book by the discussion date. Books are chosen for literary value and appropriateness to the grade level. They are chosen from an approved list prepared by the Lake Washington School District. We would appreciate your positive encouragement as your child reads at home and you may help with the reading.

The Classic Books Program provides a non-threatening setting where trained PTSA leaders direct the discussions by asking thought-provoking questions. The students gain a better understanding of each book discussed and improve their critical thinking skills.

The discussion groups for this reading enrichment program occur usually during class time. The fourth grade Classic Books program is the only grade where the discussions are held during the first 20-30 minutes of the lunch period while the children are eating a sack lunch from home. Kindergarten classes usually choose to participate in the spring.

There is no cost to students participating. Our PTSA continues to purchase new and exciting book sets to enhance the existing school collection. Students borrow the books and take care of them as they would a library book. Any lost books must be replaced by the parent/guardian.

We ask for one parent to act as classroom coordinator for Classic Books to work with the teacher to provide the best style of Classic Books for that grade level and the students’ needs. There will be training sessions early in the school year to prepare interested parents/guardians. Watch Parent Organizer for scheduled dates and times. We would love to have you be a part of this worthwhile program! Feel free to contact me if you have any questions.

Ramalee Wulf

Wilder PTSA Reading Enrichment Chair

ramaleew@msn.com