Students Can 'Like' Heights Big Read on Facebook

“The more that you read, the more things you will know. The more that you learn, the more places you will go.” The Dr. Seuss quote sums up the message educators want their students to understand as they help them expand their interests in reading.

Now there is one more place where students can go to talk about their interests in books, a place they more than likely already visit every day.

High school educator Suzanne Kos, who serves as the literacy reform coordinator, started a Facebook page named after the Heights Big Read which is open for all to "like" and take part in ongoing conversations about books and reading interests.

It’s a way to get kids talking about books outside the classroom in a fun space they are already frequently visiting every day, Kos said. She said the administration has been supportive of the idea and she monitors the page continuously. It’s open to everyone, just as the Heights Big Read is, from teachers to parents and of course students.

Conversations of all kinds related to reading are taking place on the site, Kos explained. For example, the tenth grade is currently reading “The Crucible” and the Facebook page is a place for the students to discuss their thoughts on the book. There will also be topics related to holiday reading posted on the page and it will also the forum for discussion when the next “Big Read” gets underway this winter.

. The idea behind it was to get high school students, parents, teachers and anyone in the community all reading the same book, which was “Fahrenheit 451.” The entire community was then invited to take part in related book discussions, movie screenings. There was also a poster contest and an ongoing blog devoted to the book.

Kos said the next “Big Read” will begin this coming winter. The book has not been chosen yet but she is exploring some titles. This time the Facebook page will serve as the forum for discussion as opposed to a blog.

Kos is also working on other techniques to help kids be better readers. As it is a small school district, Kos has the ability to work one-on-one with those students who are struggling with their reading. She has a growing collection of books in her classroom, of all types of subjects from which students are welcome to chose from, to keep them reading.

Next Tuesday, parents and guardians will have an opportunity to learn even more about what the district is doing to help students who are struggling. Administrators will host a community forum Nov. 29 at 7 p.m. in the high school media center on the district’s literacy strategies and literacy remediation program for students K -12.