Texas Reads One Book
Texas Reads One Book is a statewide version of the One District, One Book and One School, One Book programs — community reading experiences sponsored by Read to Them, a national family literacy group. TASA and AASA are pleased to partner with Read to Them in this effort to create a culture of reading and foster student and family engagement in schools and communities throughout Texas.
How the Program Works
Dallas Cowboys Head Coach Jason Garrett kicks off Texas Reads One Book each spring when his videotaped reading of the first chapter of the selected book is shown in participating elementary schools.
During the three weeks that follow, families take up where Coach Garrett leaves off, reading a chapter from the book each night. Because every family receives a copy of the book, even reluctant readers and parents who don’t normally participate in school activities get involved.
Daily trivia questions, discussions, and other activities in the schools ensure that reading takes center stage in the home, school, and community throughout the duration of the program.
Benefits of Participating
Models reading as a positive, fun, and meaningful activity for all students and their families
Promotes vocabulary and literacy development in the home and is especially effective with at-risk children
Builds relationships and turns family members into “Literacy Leaders”
Creates lasting systemic change, especially when multiple programs are conducted annually
Is flexible, fun, easy, and cost-effective and leads to a community of readers
“I believe in Texas Reads One Book. The value of having the coach read the first chapter is impressive. One year, we also had different high school students, coaches, and teachers read a chapter and share it out with our families. Our local folks reading personalizes it for our community. Getting young boys to read is always a challenge, but the way this program is set up, it helps us reach the average fourth or fifth grade boy with good stories that are interesting.”
What's Included
For Schools:
- How to Do Texas Reads One Book in Ten Easy Steps
- Ten Reasons to Support Texas Reads One Book
- Books – one copy for each student, free copies for staff
- Trivia Bank – dozens of Questions and Answers
- Assembly Ideas – and assembly scripts
- Suggested Activities – for classrooms and your school entire
- Read to Them Newsletters – the latest happenings and inspirational testimonials
- Guidance from expert Read to Them personnel
- Access to the Read to Them community of readers
For Parents:
- Ten Tips for Reading Aloud*
- Simple Steps to Create a Reading Superstar*
- Letter Home to Parents*
- Reading Schedule
- Downloadable Audio Reading Tips
- *Indicates materials that are available in Spanish
Spring 2020 Texas Reads One Book Program
The 2020 Texas Reads One Book program kicks off February 10 (earlier than in previous years) and will feature the book, “The Lemonade Crime.” Download the 2020 program flier.
Learn More or Sign Up
If you would like to learn more about Texas Reads One Book, including how to get special pricing on a large order, or you’re interesting in signing up for the 2020 program, please inquire using this form:
804.367.3195
2201 West Broad St., Ste. 206
Richmond, VA 23220