Publications

Reading Circle Program

Policies and procedures

Purpose: To encourage an interest in and enjoyment of reading

The Reading Circle Program was founded more than 100 years ago by the Missouri State Teachers Association, and it has encouraged countless Missouri students to discover a life-long joy in reading.

You can begin a Reading Circle Program in your school with a few simple supplies, beginning with the MSTA publication New Books for Missouri Students. Titles are classified by grade level. Although most children will select books appropriate to their reading levels, students should not be penalized if all the books read are not at their level. The value of the program lies not in how the pupil qualifies for membership, but rather in how the child grows in his or her reading interest, enjoyment and abilities.

General policies

1. The Reading Circle Program is intended to encourage students to read extensively at school and at home.

2. Any pupil grade PK-12 in public, private, parochial or home schools of Missouri may become a member of the Reading Circle Program.

3. At the end of each school year, the teacher reports to the principal in writing the names of all pupils qualifying for membership as stated under membership requirements. The principal then issues a certificate of membership in the Reading Circle Program to each pupil qualifying.

4. When a pupil qualifies for five consecutive years and that achievement is certified by the principal, the pupil qualifies for a Certificate of Life Membership.

5. One source for books to use in this program is the annual Reading Circle Committee publication, New Books for Missouri Students. The books on this list have been read and evaluated by adults knowledgeable about children's literature. Other appropriate books of equal quality also may be used in the annual reading program.

6. Students in special programs can fulfill requirements of the Reading Circle Program by reading the number and level of books commensurate with their reading abilities. Alternative goals for membership in the Reading Circle Program can be established in a student's individual educational program (IEP).

Initiating the Reading Circle Program in your school

The program is inaugurated by the classroom teacher(s) and the librarian working as a team. Students in prekindergarten through twelfth grade are encouraged to participate. Ideally, all classes in a school will be involved but as few as one classroom can initiate this voluntary reading program.

If the program is started at the beginning of the school year, the students will have enough time to reach the reading goal appropriate for them.

A group orientation prepared and presented by the classroom teacher and/or librarian is the best way to introduce the program to your students.

Minimum number of books

Students are required to read the minimum number of books with the student choosing the genre of his or her choice. Reading Circle encourages a healthy balance of fiction and nonfiction.

	Prekindergarten to second grade	20 books
	Third through sixth grade	16 books
	Seventh through twelfth grade	14 books

Student reading record file

The classroom teacher and the librarian establish the record-keeping system most appropriate for the school, the individual classes and the children involved. Classroom records may be kept in many ways, including a file folder for each child that includes a tally sheet. At the close of each school year, the teacher reports in writing to the principal the names of all pupils qualifying for membership in the Reading Circle. A simple summary sheet for each student's permanent file will be adequate for year-to-year records.

The students are expected to do the actual recording of their reading, but the process should not overwhelm the actual enjoyment of reading.

Presenting the Reading Circle Certificates

The Reading Circle Certificates are a material recognition of the students' voluntary efforts, their initiative and their persistence in completing the required membership qualifications.

Students' achievements may be recognized at a year-end ceremony in the classroom or at your school's annual awards assembly.

Traditionally, the school principal presents the appropriate certificate to the qualifying students. Special recognition can be given to those receiving the Life Certificate.

Materials

The Missouri State Teachers Association (MSTA) distributes the following materials and supplies for the Reading Circle Program upon request: