Own a Book ... Share a Book
Children's Literacy Program

Members of IODE Walter Baker Chapter watched as, with their “shushing” fingers pressed to their lips, 60 Robert E. Wilson Public School kindergarten students silently filed into their school’s library on the morning of Wednesday, March 27th, 2013 for a very special assembly.  
 
This assembly was the culmination of our fundraiser held in October of 2012 Fashion Fascinations: Dinner, Fashion Show & Silent Auction, the success of which allowed us to donate $3,000.00 to launch the children’s literacy program “Own a Book ... Share a Book.” 

"Own a Book ... Share a Book" was originally started by IODE Toronto Municipal Chapter and is based on numerous studies which confirm that reading to infants and young children not only boosts speech and language development, but overall intelligence as well. By the time children are two years old, they understand 300 to 500 words. Children who have  larger vocabularies are better readers. A child who cannot read has very few options for the future. 

IODE Walter Baker Chapter felt this was a program worth starting in Ottawa and our members were pleased to give each kindergarten student at Robert E. Wilson P.S. their own quality story book to take home and keep – Own a Book.  

A table groaning with duplicate copies of the books given to the kindergarten students, destined for the shelves of the Robert E. Wilson Public School Library.

A duplicate set of books was also donated to the school library, in an effort to get the children to share their experiences of reading their books, and encourage their friends to continue their reading journey by checking them out of the library – Share a Book.

During the assembly, the students, their teachers and some parents were first treated to several lively stories told by  professional story teller Kathie Kompass.  Then they were each  given their books that were specially chosen for them by their teachers to ensure they matched the student’s interests.

Some excited kindergarten students show off their books. Back row, left to right: Marnie Van Steen (Education Officer), Dolores Dufresne (Past President), Gwyneth Harkin (President). Kneeling: Cynthia Willman, School Principal.

Left to Right: Charlotte Parry (Secretary & Services Officer), Professional Storyteller Kathie Kompass, Gwyneth Harkin (President), Principal Willman, Librarian, Marnie Van Steen (Education Officer) & Dolores Dufresne (Past President).