January marks the start of our exciting Forest of Reading initiative.
What is Forest of Reading?
The Forest of Reading is a unique and engaging reading program designed to encourage children to explore the joy of books and develop a love for reading. It features a wide selection of Canadian literature across various genres and age groups, with books carefully chosen to inspire young readers. Each year, children across the country participate by reading nominated titles, later being able to vote for their favorites. The program promotes literacy, fosters a sense of community, and helps children discover new authors and stories in a fun, interactive way.
Promotional Video from the Ontario Library Association
How does it work?
- When students visit the library with their class, they have the opportunity to sign out the 2025 nominated titles for Forest of Reading.
- Students will have until April to read the required number of titles to be eligible to vote for the winners of the Forest of Reading programs. Students will be provided with book title sheets to help them track which titles they have finished reading. After reading, students will return the completed sheet to me in the library.
- If students read the required number of titles they will get to vote in April during a designated time (TBD) for the winner of this year’s Forest of Reading.
We have four different branches of the Forest of Reading running this year:
English Grades K-3:
Blue Spruce—Must have read or had read to them all 10 books.
- Grade 3s are encouraged to read these books themselves
- Students may read these books with their teacher or during library periods
English Grades 4-6:
Silver Birch Fiction—Must have read at least 5 titles.
- There are 9 copies of each title (students will be reminded that these copies will be in high demand and need to be shared during the course of the Forest of Reading program)
French K-3:
Le Prix Peuplier—Must have read or had read to them all 10 books.
- Grade 3s are encouraged to read these books themselves
- Students may read these books with their teacher or during library periods
French Grade 4-6:
Le Prix Tamarac—Must have read at least 5 titles.
- There are 9 copies of each title (students will be reminded that these copies will be in high demand and need to be shared during the course of the Forest of Reading program)
Happy Reading Allenby!