Title I

EARLY LITERACY EXPERT SHARES INSIGHTS WITH PARENTS

Dr. Jack McGovern, a retired teacher and literacy advocate known for his expertise in teaching reading and writing, was the guest speaker at Penn London Elementary School’s Title I back-to-school night this year, where he shared personal stories and practical tips to help parents strengthen their children’s early reading skills.

McGovern outlined the importance of building vocabulary and world knowledge at home, and emphasized the value of “ritualizing literature” by reading with or to children at home each day.

In addition to teaching students and training teachers for more than 40 years, McGovern is also Chairman of the Board for the nonprofit Children’s Literacy Initiative based in Philadelphia.

To make the most of the at-home reading experience:

Pre-read the book and plan when and how to introduce new vocabulary and/or background knowledge.
Explore the cover, title page, and illustrations and ask children to predict what they think might happen.
Either listen to your child read, read the book with your child, or read the book to your child if it is too difficult for independent reading.
As you read, remember to stop, discuss, and make connections.
Go ahead and reread the same book another day. Rereading books helps children become more familiar with "sight" words. Sight words are some of the most frequently used words in the English language.

Dr. McGovern's recommended read aloud books include:

“A Really Short History of Nearly Everything” by Bill Bryson

“1001 Children’s Books You Must Read Before You Grow Up” (a compilation)

“Thank You, Sarah: The Woman Who Saved Thanksgiving” by Laurie Halse

“Amos & Boris” by William Steig

“Stellaluna” by Janell Cannon in Books

“The Dragons Are Singing Tonight” by Jack Prelutsky

“Surprising Sharks: Read and Wonder” by Nicola Davies in Books

“Big Blue Whale” by Nicola Davies

“A Really Short History of Nearly Everything” by Bill Bryson

“A Child's Introduction to the World: Geography, Cultures, and People - from the Grand Canyon to the Great Wall of China” by Heather Alexander, Meredith Hamilton

“The Reading Promise: My Father and the Books We Shared” by Alice Ozma

“Bad Kitty” by Nick Bruel

“The Little Engine that Could” by Watty Piper

For questions or more information, contact Kristin Bulgarelli Title I Coordinator & Reading Specialist.