Welcome to the first episode of The Woodland Connection! Join Dr. Debbie McCauley, principal of Woodland Elementary School, as she shares her passion for inspiring a love of reading among students. Drawing on her background as a 9th-grade English teacher and her journey as a principal, Dr. McCauley discusses the transformative power of literature and provides actionable strategies for educators and parents to encourage students to embrace reading as a lifelong skill and joy.

Key Takeaways:

• Introduction: Dr. McCauley introduces herself and the purpose of The Woodland Connection, which aims to connect, inform, and inspire the school and greater community.
• Personal Inspiration: Hear how Dr. McCauley’s 8th-grade English teacher, Mrs. Twyla Sutton, sparked her love of literature through creative, hands-on activities and inspired her career in education.
• Engaging Strategies to Inspire Reading:
  • Hands-On Activities: Ideas like character diaries, designing alternative endings, or performing scenes from books help students interact with stories in meaningful ways.
  • Student Choice: Encouraging students to select books that align with their interests fosters ownership and a personal connection to reading.
  • Making Reading Relevant: Relating literature to real-life experiences and current events makes stories come alive and demonstrates their practical value.