Reading to children has been proven to be the most effective way to improve a child's reading ability because the reader can engage with the child at his or her level of comprehension rather than at the child's own reading level, which might not be at the same level. Most importantly, it is key to have fun with reading: to illustrate to the children that reading is a joy that they will have forever, that it can take them wherever they dream to go, and give them the opportunity to learn whatever they choose. When I ask the children why they like to read, my favorite answer is, "Because it's fun!" Madison Rotarians visited the Madison second-grade classrooms and read “Andy & Elmer’s Apple Dumpling Adventure” to the children. This project promotes literacy and a love of reading while also introducing the children to Rotary and the concept of The Four-Way Test. The book was developed by a Rotary Club in Ohio and has become a national service event.
The Four-Way Test is a nonpartisan and nonsectarian ethical guide for Rotarians to use for their personal and professional relationships and it has been translated into more than 100 languages:
Of the things we think, say or do
- Is it the TRUTH?
- Is it FAIR to all concerned?
- Will it build GOODWILL and BETTER FRIENDSHIPS?
- Will it be BENEFICIAL to all concerned?
Our Club volunteers thoroughly enjoyed spending time with these wonderful children, and we look forward to seeing these same students again in the Fall when we will present them with personalized dictionaries as part of our Autumn Dictionary Day event!
Our children are our most precious gift because they represent the future, and reading is the portal through which all things are possible.