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Goal

The Sunshine State Young Readers Award (SSYRA) Program is a statewide reading motivational program for students in grades 3 through 8. The purpose of the SSYRA Program is to encourage students to read independently for pleasure and to read books that are on, above, and below their reading level in order to improve their reading fluency. Sunshine State books are selected for their wide appeal, literary value, varied genres, curriculum connections, and/or multicultural representation. The SSYRA committee is comprised of 20 qualified school librarians located throughout the state of Florida, subdivided into two committees- grades 3-5 and grades 6-8. Media specialists representing all districts across the state work with integrity and heart to curate great lists each year, with the goal for each and every one of Florida’s students to find three books they want to read and with which they can connect. That’s all it takes for students to vote for their favorites: read at least three and vote. We are especially proud of these lists, knowing they are for our students first and believe that students will find at least three to read this year. We know that not every book is for every student, but we want every student to have the chance to find the book they need, whether it be a window, a mirror, or a door to another world. 

What will be done with my students

Students will have book talks and do literature circles with partners/groups. They will track their success in the program through visual representations such as our class bar chart. Incentives will also be provided through our media specialist and students will be recognized on the news for their progress. Students are already working on the program, and while voting takes place in spring, we will continue this throughout the entire school year.
This program will both support our fluency learning goal and communication goal as they verbally represent their knowledge and learning with others, a pivotal real-life skill. 

Benefits to my students

The program will introduce students to a variety of genres and will provide curriculum connections. Students will also learn various perspectives through the multicultural connections. By having common experiences through their reading, engagement will be increased. In the spring, students who read three or more books will have the opportunity to vote for their favorite one. This allows them to experience the election process as the Collier County Supervisor of Elections brings the voting machines for our students to have an authentic experience. This will benefit six fifth grade teachers and 118 students.
 

Budget Narrative

This will allow all the fifth grade teachers (6) at Pelican Marsh Elementary to each have a complete set of the 3-5 and 6-8 Sunshine State Readers and students will have easy and immediate access to books. Price indicated is six sets, one for each classroom.

Books will be shared with the 3rd and 4th graders after 5th grade has read them. 

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