Nearly 50 first graders at J.J. Johnson Elementary School received an early Christmas present Monday courtesy of the Calcasieu Federation of Teachers. The organization is currently in the process of giving all first graders in the parish a free book to promote literacy and encourage reading.

Teri Johnson, CFT president, said J.J. Johnson students received a copy of “Chamelia and the New Kid in Class” by Ethan Long. She said all 2,400 first graders in Calcasieu will receive a copy of the book before the end of the month.

Johnson said the book was chosen because it has elements all students can relate to along with first grade sight words.

“First grade is a pivotal time to make students enjoy learning,” she said. “This book is colorful, animated and fun.”

Michelle Joubert, principal at J.J. Johnson, said the book donation was important because literacy is a big factor in helping to improve the school. J.J. Johnson was one of three Calcasieu schools that received an F on its school report card earlier this year.

“A lot of our students come from homes where literature isn’t something that they have or are exposed to on a daily basis,” Joubert said. “For them to have this book is such a wonderful opportunity because this will give them something that is theirs to keep.”

Joubert said many parents have told her in recent conferences that they don’t have books at home because they can’t afford them. Part of J.J. Johnson’s school improvement plan is making sure that all students are exposed to rich text, she said.

“Reading is the foundation, and students have to have those skills in order to truly make a difference when they go to third, fourth and fifth grades,” Joubert said. “Teachers are currently focusing on phonics and foundational skills, which is something the free books will help to supplement. We have been given the charge to educate these kids, and no matter what, we have to complete that task.”(Kara Carrier/American Press)