Making Their Mark at Hazel Dell Elementary

This week, I sat down with Media Specialist Kelly Badgett to learn more about Hazel Dell Elementary's One School, One Book reading program. 

HDE staff chose The Dot by Peter Reynolds as their 2023-24 One School, One Book selection. This year marks the twentieth anniversary of this treasured picture book about making your mark.

Here is how it works:

Every teacher received a copy of The Dot. Each student will take turns bringing the book home to read with their family. When finished, the student writes their name on the book's inside front cover. The teacher will end the year with a beautiful keepsake with all their students' signatures. 

The student's family then shares a photo of the student with the classroom's copy of The Dot in one of two ways. Either post to X (Twitter) with the hashtag #hawktalkhd or email Kelly. Once the book returns to the classroom, it goes home with another student. Many families get creative with their photos, including many pet appearances.

The program's goal is to build a community of readers. The letter sent home to families explains, "Reading together helps children listen better and longer, build bigger vocabularies, and develop a positive attitude about books and learning. When an entire school reads together, it generates excitement about reading and being part of a learning community." Love it! I couldn't agree more.

Kristin Patrick, Blended Learning Coach

Note: An animated version of The Dot by Peter H. Reynolds is available through Tumblebooks, paid for by the Hamilton East Public Library.