COMMONWEALTH OF VIRGINIA

DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION

P.O. BOX 2120

RICHMOND, VIRGINIA 23218-2120

SUPTS. MEMO NO. 208

September 28, 2007

INFORMATIONAL

TO:	Division Superintendents
FROM:	Billy K. Cannaday, Jr. Superintendent of Public Instruction
SUBJECT:	Read Aloud to a Child Week, October 14-21, 2007

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 14-21, 2007.

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 website can be accessed at http://www.readaloudva.org. On this website you can find posters, certificates, and tips for celebrating Read Aloud to a Child Week.

Further information may be obtained from Ginna Glover, elementary specialist for reading and English, via e-mail at Ginna.Glover@doe.virginia.gov or telephone at (804) 786-1997.

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