Better Selection of Books for Easley Elementary

Education is the key to change.  At Easley Elementary our entire staff is dedicated to meeting the academic needs of all of our children.  One great way to enhance our students' learning lives is by building a book room filled with engaging, culturally responsive texts.  The Easley Elementary book room is our teacher's greatest resource for planning individualized and targeted reading instruction.  Over the past several years our book room has gone from mostly black and white copies downloaded from the internet and stapled to act like a book to rich nonfiction and fiction texts that cover a wealth of interesting things to know.  

This past year we have noticed an increased need for books that are high interest but written with lower reading levels in mind.   Our population is more diverse and  some of our older, inexperienced learners need books that look grade and age appropriate while at the same time are on their reading level.  They are often called Hi-Lo readers and have a strong phonics base.  Phonics-based reading gives students opportunities to practice decoding  words. Books in these series progress according to specific phonics skill levels, and can be used for guided instruction or independent reading. 

We have found a source through the High Noon book company and our goal is to begin adding more of these texts to our book room.  This grant will help us purchase the first set of books for our book room.  

On behalf of the Easley Elementary staff, thank you for your support.

With a grateful heart,
Rena Norwood, M.Ed, NBPTS
Literacy Specialist