In January and February, the McAlister community – students, families and staff members – participated in its annual One Book, One Community read. One Book, One Community is a program designed to create a shared reading experience within a school community. This year’s selection was Tree. Table. Book. by Lois Lowry.
Tree. Table. Book. tells the story of the remarkable friendship between eleven-year-old Sophie and her elderly next door neighbor Sophie G. When young Sophie learns that Sophie G.’s son plans to move her far away because her memory is failing, young Sophie makes it her mission to prove her best friend’s memory is just fine. Through daily memory tests, Sophie G. shares stories of her life during World War II, all while strengthening her friendship with Sophie.
To ensure that every family could participate, every McAlister household received a copy to read together courtesy of the Meghan Voisine Kindness Matters Foundation. Throughout the six-week experience, classrooms engaged in discussions and activities that promoted and enriched the shared reading experience.
This year, the program expanded in a meaningful way by inviting Suffield Seniors to join us in our reading experience. Twenty-one seniors answered the call. Every Friday, they visited a classroom to discuss the book. These intergenerational conversations sparked thoughtful dialogue, fostered genuine relationships and broadened perspectives. During their final visit, seniors shared personal stories from their own lives, helping launch McAlister’s upcoming Living Library.
McAlister will host a Living Library on Wednesday, March 11 to continue our study of Tree. Table. Book. In a Living Library, participants gather for a “live” story shared by a community member. Those interested in serving as a storyteller are encouraged to contact Joy Tierney, McAlister Library Media Specialist at jtierney@suffield.org
Fourth grade students also extended their learning beyond the classroom with a visit to Kent Memorial Library where they rotated through stations to enhance the reading experience. Miss Wendy read aloud some of young Sophie’s favorite stories. Miss Anna led students in telling stories that began on a day that was different. Ms. Marino, Suffield Community Aid Social Worker, allowed students to play memory games to simulate dementia. Community member Beth Chafetz gave a presentation on the Holocaust in Poland, enhancing students’ understanding of the historical context of the novel.
The benefits of reading together are remarkable. Studies have shown that reading to children helps them to listen better and longer, to build larger vocabularies, to understand concepts better, to feel positive about both books and learning, and much more! When an entire community reads the same book, the buzz and excitement around the book augments these benefits.
Most importantly, reading together builds connections. Through One Book, One Community, McAlister strengthened bonds among students, families, teachers, and Suffield Seniors – reminding us all that stories have the power to unite us.
A heartfelt thank you to our senior book buddies for the generous gift of their time, wisdom, and stories. And a heartfelt thank you to the Meghan Voisine Kindness Matters Foundation for their generous purchase of the books for each family.