Gian Paul Gonzalez - ARE YOU ALL IN?

Take this message however it can apply to your life now.
Ask yourself, are you ALL IN? Everyone's "all in" is different.  Just imagine, if every single
adult was "All IN" to every child's literacy development.......Wow how the world would change.
I'm All IN.

Are you All IN?

Did you know that research shows that students who will have successful first reading experiences have had 500 books read aloud to them? At first the number sounds high, but it really isn't... Reflect on your own child from birth to age 4-5. How many books have you, family members, caregivers, teachers, and even apps read to them?

Reading aloud builds a solid foundation for your student or child to take ownership as a reader themselves.  As you read a title and the author of a book, they are learning that a person wrote the text and drew the pictures.  Kids learn directionality  (reading left to right) and tracking (pointing to the word that is being read) as well as thinking and talking about pictures.

I have heard many many parents say, "my kids just won't stop to listen....they are always on the go...they lose focus...they are just not into it"  I ask you, are you ALL IN?

Inspired by our Somerville Public School In Service Day speaker, Gian Paul Gonzalez, I realized this small statement speaks volumes when it comes to our children's literacy development.

Prioritize.  Believe in the process. Tell them you are doing it, and DO IT. Even if you have a stuffed animal as your audience.  Kids understand what we value as adults.  It's going to catch on.  If it doesn't, think of your time frame.  If you are reading to a 4 year old, you have 4-6 minutes for them to stay engaged.  Consider the topic you are reading.  Are you using intonation? Are you vested in this quiet time or are you texting while flipping through pages?
No one is perfect.  Just like our students can sense when adults are angry or happy; they can sense what we value and truly believe in. Make it a priority and go ALL IN!