Bookbound is Highland’s whole school reading event.  For the first three weeks of April every child in the school (and all willing adults) receive a copy of the same chapter book to read and to keep after our kick-off assembly (March 31^st).  This book is meant to be read by every family in our school as a family read aloud.  We all read the same assigned pages each night, hear a trivia question each morning, and enjoy the book talk that takes place in our classrooms, hall, gym, cafeteria, library, playground…everywhere!  This will be our 3^rd year of Bookbound, and we’ve had great participation in the past…the more the merrier.  Everybody is eagerly anticipating the announcement of the chosen book. 

Here are some tips to help make Bookbound a success in your home:

• Set a routine – Decide when and where the book will be read.  Make this routine a priority during this event.  If you miss a night of reading, decide how best to get back on track.  Don’t quit!  Your child will remember the time spent reading together even if you get off schedule.
• Don’t worry about being perfect – Both reading aloud and listening take practice.  If you are not used to reading aloud, or if your child isn’t used to sitting quietly and listening, it may take a few rounds until you’re comfortable.  The further you get into the book, the easier it will get.
• Keep your audience in mind – Read slowly enough so that your listeners are able to picture the action as you read.  Take time to check in with your child to see if he/she understands the story.
• Make it work for you – If your child has more than one home, decide how you can keep this story going.  Having more than one reader can work just fine.  On weekends, for example, the child can catch the next reader up on the story (and practice his/her retelling skills).
• Enjoy the story along with your child!