Third-Graders Read Together

Sno-Isle Libraries Third-Graders Read Together program is a partnership between the library and public schools throughout Snohomish and Island counties. The program encourages children to have fun and enjoy reading while honing their literacy and teamwork skills. Funded by the Sno-Isle Libraries Foundation with generous support from the Dorothy Koch Family Foundation, the program was able to achieve the following in 2024:

• Bring Third Graders Read Together to 75 schools and 5,300 third-graders in Snohomish and Island counties.
• Purchase 3,100 OTTER Award books for participating schools for students to read.
• Provide educators with a Teacher Guide to help them easily incorporate the featured books into their classroom or library.
• Give every student a bookmark and collectible stickers to build excitement around reading.
• Hosted 700 third graders and educators for online events with the authors and illustrators.

These activities, paired with sticker rewards when completing a book, kept students engaged. “I loved the stickers on the bookmark,” said one third grader. “The event with the illustrator was super good.”  

The program features Washington Library Association OTTER Award nominated books. The OTTER (Our Time To Enjoy Reading) Awards highlight books that are both engaging and developmentally appropriate for readers transitioning into chapter books. The Award focuses on “books kids like, not books adults think kids should like” and all books are voted by students, parents, and educators. 

“It was wonderful to see the kids so excited about reading all of the books,” said Cindy, a teacher at Cedarhome Elementary.” Earning the stickers on the bookmark was a great motivator for the kids to keep reading. Thank you for this program!”  

Why third grade?
Research shows that reading ability in third grade can be a tipping point for later academic and life success. Students not reading at grade level are less likely to finish high school which may have consequences later in life. 

“Since 2013 Sno-Isle Libraries has partnered system-wide with our schools to support third graders by fostering a love of reading during a critical age,” said Joy Feldman, Sno-Isle Libraries Early Literacy Coordinator. “This is the time when students shift from learning to read and begin reading to learn."