COMMONWEALTH of VIRGINIA
Department of Education
September 16, 2011
TO: Division Superintendents
FROM: Patricia I. Wright, Superintendent of Public Instruction
In recognition of Virginia Read Aloud to a Child Week, the Department of Education, in collaboration with the Library of Virginia and Read Aloud Virginia, encourages all parents, teachers, and caregivers to join them in celebrating Read Aloud to a Child Week, October 16-23, 2011.
The ability to read is the foundation of literacy and is the single most important activity for building knowledge for personal success; therefore, persons in school divisions in the Commonwealth are urged to set aside time to read aloud to a child. Reading aloud to children increases vocabulary, improves fluency and extends knowledge of the language. Reading aloud to a child will provide a reading role model and children will look forward to learning to read for themselves.
The Read Aloud Virginia Web site can be accessed at http://www.readaloudva.org. On this Web site, you can find posters, certificates, and tips for celebrating Read Aloud to a Child Week.
Further information may be obtained from Thomas Santangelo, elementary specialist for reading and English, by e-mail at Thomas.Santangelo@doe.virginia.gov or by telephone at (804) 225-3203.