Our Merrill, Our Book - Because of Winn Dixie by Kate DiCamillo
The oldest child of each family will receive a copy of Because of Winn Dixie following a special school-wide assembly introducing the program and book. Parents will also receive a reading calendar (shown below) so they can keep track of their progress at home. Generally, families should plan to read a chapter or two per night.
Reading aloud with a child provides so many important foundational skills. Participation in this book club will build interest in language, increase awareness of words, strengthen vocabulary, improve listening skills and encourage conversation about literature. It will also extend layers of knowledge, aid in overall comprehension, foster a love of literacy, develop empathy for others and spark joy through a shared experience. (Laminack and Wadsworth, 2006)
Our Merrill, Our Book includes all grade levels in a shared literary experience. Teachers will be talking about the text and asking fun, thought-provoking questions throughout the day. Merrill selected a title that can be followed and understood by younger students, but still captivate an older audience. All of the Merrill families will get to know Opal, the main character, her father, and the dog they adopt named Winn Dixie. Everyone will journey with Opal as she makes new friends, learns to say goodbye to her mom, and weaves the lives of many community members together all through touching adventures with her new dog, Winn Dixie.
With everyone's support at home, families will create a powerful reading community at Merrill.
