Reading incorporates movement to enhance student learning and engagement in reading.

Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools News, September 2, 2011

Third-grade students at River Oaks Academy got a special reading surprise on Sept. 2. Students and staff were joined by Chris Draft, NFL ambassador and former Carolina Panther linebacker and the Panther’s mascot, Sir Purr. Students were excited to talk about reading and staying active and healthy as they joined in a discussion with Draft on the importance of reading and staying active.

“It is important to work hard to be smart and read to be successful,” Draft told students. “It is always important to have a goal, a direction that you are wanting to go.”

Engaging students in reading is often a daunting task for teachers. The “Lets Move. Let’s Read” provides strategies and ideas for teachers, parents and others to engage students in reading instruction in a way that is active and appealing.

“Let’s Read. Let’s Move” is a program supported by Arne Duncan, U.S. Education Secretary. The Department launched “Let’s Read. Let’s Move” to combat summer learning loss and physical inactivity that commonly occur during the school break. Through activities designed to promote reading and academic achievement, healthy lifestyles and physical fitness, as well as general enrichment, the program aims to increase awareness about the critical importance of summer learning and highlight the tenets of First Lady Michelle Obama’s “Let’s Move!” national campaign to combat childhood obesity.

The group discussed the importance of making reading a part of your normal routine and that avenues such as public library cards are available and a positive way to continually read and build knowledge. Students also participated in movement, such as jumping rope or hula-hooping.

River Oaks media specialist Deborah Clark is excited about the initiative and cannot wait for teachers to take the “Let’s Read. Let’s Move” program into their literacy instruction to make reading more active and engaging for students.

“This innovation in literacy instruction is powerful for our scholars,” Clark said. “We will continue this program here throughout the year and look forward to further involving parents and community partners to move and inspire to read.”

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