#RocketshipReads

Maricela Guerrero, Executive Director, Rocketship California

We know that in education there is no one-size-fits-all magic strategy or action step. However, there is one thing that comes close. Every major study, including results from the PISA (international assessment), the NAEP (national assessment), and the SAT, show that the single most important predictor of academic success is …

The amount of time children spend reading books.

The multitude of benefits from reading extend beyond the academic impact. Reading has been shown to:

Reduces stress: A 2009 study at the University of Sussex found that reading reduced stress levels by 68%.
Boost empathy: A University of Toronto study in 2009 found that reading strongly correlated with higher levels of emotional intelligence, empathy, understanding of others, and deep thinking.
Foster family connection: Findings from 2021 NYU research showed that early parent-child book reading has positive impacts on stress and the parent-child relationship over time.

Over the past several weeks, we have re-committed to fueling our Rocketeers’ joy, love, and passion for reading across our region. Check out just a few of the many highlights:

#RocketshipReads: Rocketeers and meaningful practice with decodables

At RBM, Rocketeers are digging into reading decodable texts and practicing key foundational phonics skills with Mr. Pedroza. The yellow “book taxi” helps Rocketeers transport their books home and back.

At RMS, Ms. Cavallaro is building a strong culture of reading and learning, as Rocketeers read Geodes independently!

Our RRWC Rocketeers used decodable texts to meaningfully practice the phonics skills they learned with Ms. Martinez during small group instruction.

#RocketshipReads: Rocketeers and love of reading

Love of reading at RSK comes alive across all content areas through their upcoming spirit week and whole school DEAR. Check out our Rocketeers reading in STEM class in addition to the reading they do throughout other blocks of the day.

In addition to being celebrated for mastering decodable texts, RFZ Rocketeers are celebrated when they are caught reading any text with their reading badge bookmarks!

Rocketship Rising Stars included every community member in their love of Reading campaign! The RRS team took a field trip to Barnes and Noble and EVERY STAFF MEMBER selected one book that they can read for leisure AND for every surprise DEAR (Drop Everything and Read) moment on campus. Here are 2 of RRS’ powerful Operations team members with their own books!

Rocketship Delta Prep partnered with families to make love of reading come alive through their STEM and literacy night!

We are proud of the gains we have seen with expanding access to texts and meaningful practice for our Rocketeers and looking forward to continuing to spark joy, love, and passion for reading. Thank you to all of our educators for all you do to ensure that our Rocketeers not only can read, but read well and enjoy it.

Published on April 9, 2024