This is what read-alouds and book giveaways look like after a first-grade teacher shares her love for reading with students.

Throughout the school year, Courtney and her first-grade team in Lamesa ISD were able to put books directly into the hands of nearly 95 students through The Leaders Readers Network Literacy Fellowship. With every book giveaway, students had the opportunity to build their home libraries and discover the joy of reading.

"The best part of the school year was seeing the thrilled looks and smiles on my students' faces every time they got a new book to cherish during the Welcome Back Book Giveaway, Holiday Book Giveaway, Read Across America Book Giveaway, and finally the End of the Year Book Giveaway."

Students read books together. They take their time reading each word, sounding out familiar letters and words, talking about the characters in the story, and exploring the illustrations that take them on a journey throughout the book. These moments may seem small, but they are where confident readers are built.

For Courtney, the excitement around books never faded.

"Even though these Giveaways were spread throughout the school year, their astonishment never faded."

The impact extended beyond individual classrooms. Books provided through The Leaders Readers Network were shared at community events, literacy celebrations, and service projects throughout Lamesa.

"Partnering with The Leaders Readers Network has significantly enriched the literacy resources available to my classroom and the entire First Grade cohort—reaching nearly 95 students and our dedicated team of teachers and assistants—by providing complimentary books for children to share with their families at home."

The Leaders Readers Network is dedicated to supporting West Texas teachers and beyond with the literacy resources, training, and support they need to help young readers thrive. We believe in the power of a read-aloud, and we see the impact every day when students and teachers read more together.

Perhaps Courtney said it best:

"One of the most moving experiences of my teaching career was when our local librarian asked who among my students had developed a genuine love for reading and every single hand raised with pride."

"There is no doubt in my mind that the invaluable contributions and support from The Leaders Readers Network played a pivotal role in cultivating this passion for literacy within each of my students."

Does this sound like an opportunity you want to be a part of? Sign up to join Courtney, The Leaders Readers Network’s team, Grammy Award Winning Musician and Children’s Book Author Lucky Diaz on July 8th and 9th at the 5th Annual Literacy Summit. Every teacher will leave with inspirations and classroom set of books to welcome their students with a fun read aloud and book giveaway.

If you have questions, don’t hesitate to reach out to our programs team. Email programs@leadersreadersnetwork.org.

Register here (use SAVE50) for $50 off your registration on one day or full day conference.

We can’t wait to see you there!

Register today!