Growing Literacy in Oregon

President’s Message

by Carol Lauritzen

Our organization’s new life as the Oregon State Literacy Association has begun. We are excited to be a full affiliate of the International Literacy Association. Just as we are beginning a new phase with our association, many of you are beginning a new year of creating readers and writers. I recently saw a photo of a Little Free Library. It was obvious that a child had painted it with many bright colors, decorations and positive slogans such as “reading is awesome” and “I love books”. But what really caught my eye was printed in bright blue, all capitals: YOU ADULTS SHOULD READ. Reading aloud to your students every day is one way to show you read. But equally important is to share with your students your personal reading. Do you have a favorite blog? How about the OSLA Facebook page? Or are you a news junky? Do you read magazines? What book are you intrigued with or finding helpful in your life? You provide a reading role model when you let your students know the range and depth of what you read. I hope you have a wonderful school year and find many ways to promote reading and writing in your classrooms.