H.O. Brittingham’s reading success

It shouldn't come as any surprise that here at the Cape Gazette we think reading is crucial for success in life. Reading skills provide access and open doors to so many disciplines.

If schools were only permitted to teach one subject, it would have to be reading. It's the most important educational tool that any of us has.

From reading arise writing and critical thinking skills, all so critical for further education and involvement in society as productive and proactive citizens.

A recent article in the Cape Gazette highlighted success at H.O. Brittingham Elementary in Milton from a new reading program. Students in the school's five grades read at least 60 minutes each day. Key to the program is that students get to choose books at their reading level about subjects they are interested in.

That, says HOB Reading Specialist Cathy Miller, has resulted in greater engagement by the students with what they're reading.

Adding to the practical side of the program, students research a different topic each week related to their reading, and they write reports on subjects as varied as characteristics of a particular bug or as complex as ecosystems.

The reading program has energized the students about school, and, not surprisingly, it has markedly lifted state testing scores. Now there's talk of expanding the program used at H.O. Brittingham to other schools.

That's all good news for Cape schools. It's basic, fundamental and will pay dividends in later grades where students will bring greater comprehension to their subjects.

If students read for 60 minutes each day, get outside and play for 60 minutes each day, and learn healthy eating habits through food service and education, they will be well on their way to the health and happiness so vital to leading lives of accomplishment and satisfaction.