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The Road to Reading

The Road to Reading series, proudly sponsored by the Grand Rapids Public Library, explores some of the reading activities you’ll find in our schools as well as difficulties students may face when learning to read.

The series also examines early childhood ties to literacy and new initiatives to help all children read.

Trio of area schools recognized for literacy achievements

Caledonia Alexis Stark

Elementaries in Caledonia, Kenowa Hills and Lowell recently received the TalentFirst Literacy Leadership Award for their commitment to helping students grow as readers and increase literacy rates.

Reading challenge leads to lessons in art, geography & more

Grand Rapids Riley Kelley

Fifth-graders are finding fun ways to contextualize “A Hero’s Guide to Summer Vacation.”

School partners with GVSU for literacy event

Kenowa Hills Alexis Stark

Grand Valley State University students collaborated with Zinser Elementary to host a literacy night, focused on phonics and fun for young learners.

Honing their approach to new phonics lessons

Northview Beth Heinen Bell

Kindergarten teachers at East Oakview took part in a “learning lab” to observe how their colleagues teach new phonics lessons.

His turtle tale has classmates turning pages

Kelloggsville Joanne Bailey-Boorsma

West Kelloggsville Elementary second-grader Mai’Son Keits turned his admiration for turtles into a book about the reptiles.

New classroom library sparks excitement for reading

Godwin Heights Joanne Bailey-Boorsma

Second-grade teacher Kelsey Berry was the sole recipient in Kent County to receive a TalentFirst grant for a new classroom library.

Bonanza of books sparks generosity, collaboration

Northview Beth Heinen Bell

Thanks to a local nonprofit and student leaders, nearly 5,000 books are making their way into the hands of young readers.

How one teacher helps students beat national reading averages

Podcasts Charles Honey

Students in Michigan and nationwide are struggling with reading, but not in Amy Dyksterhouse’s Caledonia classroom.

Healthy, fulfilling vending options: books

Byron Center Alexis Stark

New book vending machines at Byron Center elementaries encourage students to read more and demonstrate positive behavior.

Alum shares love of reading, writing with students

Godwin Heights Joanne Bailey-Boorsma

Broadcaster Rick Berkey, a 1970 district graduate, visited West and North Godwin elementary schools to read his book and inspire students to develop a love of reading.

From in-class reading to real-world weather

Lowell Alexis Stark

A new elementary ELA curriculum ties together core subjects — math, science and social studies — with comprehensive reading and writing, with help from a Michigan meteorologist.

Tasting new book genres broadens reading palates

Grandville Beth Heinen Bell

In three minutes, these fourth-graders get “just a taste” of a book — and many walk away excited to read something new.

KDL partners with elementary school for Family Literacy Night

Kentwood Erin Albanese

An evening at a Kent District Library branch meant free books, resources and family time.

Living Lab courtyard gives reading challenge autumn ambience

Kenowa Hills Alexis Stark

Zinser Elementary fifth-graders help care for the Living Lab in their courtyard, so they can enjoy Michigan weather while reading outside.

Storytime at fall family night

Godwin Heights Joanne Bailey-Boorsma

Students and families shared the joy of reading during a community event hosted by West Godwin.

Book Bus keeps reading skills sharp during the summer

Rockford Riley Kelley

This mobile summer library, funded by the Rockford Education Foundation, keeps summer learners excited about reading.

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School News Network reports on the 20 public school districts in Kent ISD, which enroll more than 102,000 students. Founded in 2013 as an initiative of Kent ISD, we are supported by local districts and community sponsors, and powered by an experienced team of reporters, editors and multimedia journalists. We specialize in covering classroom teaching and learning, analyzing the many issues facing students and highlighting the education magic that happens each day in our public schools.

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Trio of area schools recognized for literacy achievements

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Creating art ‘in a way that works for them’

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The Road to Reading

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