Summer Reading

Summer is an important time for students to practice reading. Research consistently shows that independent reading (reading students choose to do on their own) significantly influences students’ reading performance.  The amount of free reading done outside of school positively relates to growth in vocabulary, reading comprehension, verbal fluency, and general information (Cullinan 2000). Katy ISD and the Fort Bend County Library system have provided resources to promote reading with your child this summer!

Katy ISD’s 2020 Summer Reading Program (for students entering grades 1-5):

Need suggestions for summer reading ideas and activities? The KISD Elementary Librarians have compiled a choice board for all elementary-age students.  You can access the choice board using the following link. Bring your completed choice board to the library when we return for a small prize!: http://www.katyisd.org/campus/HE/Documents/2020KISD_Elementary_Summer_Reading.pdf#search=summer%20reading

Katy ISD’s 2020 Summer Reading Program (for students entering grades 6-8):

The KISD Junior High Librarians have created the “Read, Create, and Discover” digital badge program for students entering grades 6-8.  You can learn more about this program using this link: http://www.katyisd.org/dept/technology/instructionaltechnology/Documents/Junior_High_Summer_2020_Reading.pdf

Fort Bend County Public Library’s Summer Reading Challenge for Kids, Teens, and Adults:

The Fort Bend County Library system is offering special reading challenges to encourage summer reading for all ages. This year’s theme, “Imagine Your Story,” inspires people of all ages to dream big, believe in themselves, and create their own story.

The Summer Reading Challenge online registration will begin on Monday, May 25^th and continue through Wednesday, September 30^th. You may register online at https://www.fortbend.lib.tx.us/. There is no charge to join and it is open to everyone, regardless of the county of residence. Beginning in June, virtual activities will be posted each week on the Summer Reading Challenge page of the Fort Bend County Libraries website.

The Cinco Ranch Public Library is located at 2620 Commercial Center Blvd., Katy.

Texas 2x2 Reading Program at Kilpatrick (for students entering grades Pre-K-2):

Students may want to get a head start on the Texas 2x2 program by reading books from the current list: https://txla.org/tools-resources/reading-lists/2x2/current-list/.

At Kilpatrick, students who read five of these titles can receive a special 2x2 reading tag!  Complete the Texas2x2 Boot by coloring in the spaces that match the books you’ve read.  When five spaces are colored, bring the form to the OKE library when we return to school and receive a “Texas 2x2” reading tag!

Texas Bluebonnet Award Program at Kilpatrick (for students entering grades 3-5):

Students can also get a head start on reading the current Texas Bluebonnet Award nominees: http://txla.org/TBA-nominees. Keep track of your progress using our school’s TexasBluebonnet brochure. Students who read five of these titles can receive a special Texas Bluebonnet reading tag and are eligible to vote for their favorite title.  Students who read at least eight of these titles are invited to our school’s Bluebonnet Bash! Bring the completed form to the OKE library when we return to school and receive a “Texas Bluebonnet Award” reading tag!

Sora (Access in MyKaty Cloud):

Sora is a new reading and listening app from OverDrive and Katy ISD. With Sora, students and staff can access a large collection of eBooks and audiobooks for independent, self-directed, or teacher-assigned reading. Login through MyKaty Cloud. Select “Katy ISD” and start reading! To access even more titles, you can link your account to the Fort Bend County Libraries by clicking on the three horizontal lines in the upper right-hand corner of your screen and selecting “Add a Public Library.” Click on this link to find out how to get an “eCard” through the Fort Bend County library system: https://www.fortbend.lib.tx.us/get-library-card

Wishing you a healthy, safe, and wonderful summer!  As always, Happy Reading!

Mrs. Audelo, OKE Librarian

Take a look at ebooks in Sora!

Sora is an app and website that allows students to borrow ebooks and audiobooks from Katy ISD libraries. Inspired by educator and student feedback, Sora was created to excite kids about reading and remove distractions to promote a focus on learning. It empowers students to discover and enjoy ebooks and audiobooks for both leisure and class-assigned reading. With Sora, students can access free ebooks and audiobooks. Some highlights of Sora include:

• Easy to use, one tap to get inside a book
• Teachers can assign titles and track individual student reading progress
• Exportable notes, highlights for collaborative learning
• Personalized with book recommendations and learning tools like dyslexic font, enlarged text, Read-Alongs and audiobooks

Directions to access Sora:

Step 1:

Install the Sora app from the Apple App Store or Google Play Store, or go to soraapp.com. Sora can also be accessed online through your student's MyKaty Cloud: https://mykaty.katyisd.org/

Step 2:

Click "find my school" and search for "Katy ISD." You can also use the setup code katytx.  Next, sign in using your Katy ISD credentials:  Username = ID#@katyisd.org; password = student’s Katy ISD password.

Step 3:

Browse the Explore tab and borrow a book. Your book will open so you can start reading right away.

Step 4:

Close the book and go to Shelf to see all your books (including assignments). From there, you can:

• Select Open book or Open audiobook to read or listen to the book.
• Select Options to renew or return the book, see your notes and highlights, and more.