Forty Book Challenge 

Research has shown that the more a child reads, the better reader they become. Also, children who read more have higher vocabularies, expanded world knowledge, and score better on standardized test.  Therefore, this year I am challenging all of my students to a book challenge.

The Challenge:
           Your student has been challenged to read 40 books, from a wide range of genres, by the end of the school year.  Forty books may sound like a lot, however, I assure you that I have the utmost confidence that your child will experience success.

Students will be given time before lunch each day to read.  They are also expected to read each night as part of their daily routine. This goal can be reach by reading every day in class and at home.

The Goal: 
          The goal of this challenge is to encourage each child to read a variety of books and explore new genres. Ultimately I would love to see our students develop a love of reading.

The Rules: 
·         Each book must be read by your child! The books should be at their level. 
·         Books that are 200 pages or longer count as two books. 
·         Record each book in the “40 Book Challenge” record sheet. 
·         Books must meet the genre requirements but do not need to be read in any particular order.  

The Requirements:

Students will respond weekly to the book they are currently reading in their Reading Response Journals.

TIPS to help your child rise to the challenge:

• Start reading now

• Talk with your child about the books they read

• Have your child read aloud to you or a sibling

• Take your child to the public library

• Make sure your child is reading each night!

Join Our Challenge! 

This is my first year implementing The 40 Book Challenge in the classroom.  I will be joining the students in this challenge, too!  The idea of reading 40 books from a variety of genres is exciting and intimidating at the same time! Please support us as we work through this exciting challenge.

We'd like to extend an invitation to each of you to join our challenge! Please send in or email the name(s) of the book that you have read.  We will have a chart to tally how many books that parents have completed. We would also enjoy comments to let us know how you're doing, your favorite genre, and what books you LOVE!  

About the Challenge

The 40 Book Challenge is from "The Book Whisperer" written by Donalyn Miller.  She is a 6th grade teacher from Texas.  Her book reveals the secrets of turning every student into a voracious reader!

I am very excited about this program.  I can’t wait to see the difference it makes in my students as lifelong readers! 

Please let me know if you have any questions about the 40 Book Challenge!

Thank you for your support at home.

Sincerely,

Trish Patchin

Evidence for our study:

http://www.reachoutandread.org/our-impact/reach-out-and-read-the-evidence/

https://www.theatlantic.com/national/archive/2013/07/more-evidence-reading-good-you/313575/

https://www.weareteachers.com/ways-reading-great-books-helps-students-conquer-standardized-tests/

http://www.scholastic.com/readingreport/reading-books-for-fun.htm

http://www.nea.org/grants/facts-about-childrens-literacy.html

https://seriousreading.com/blog/1001-23-reasons-why-you-need-to-encourage-kids-to-read.html