Students were reading, writing and dressing in style to celebrate Read Across America at McKenna Elementary School.
Read Across McKenna Week from March 2-6 featured themed dress-up days in honor of Dr. Seuss along with literacy activities. Everyone donned a cool pair of shades as teachers brought in and shared beloved fiction books. On favorite hat day, children put on their thinking caps and learned something new with nonfiction books. They closed out the week wearing green in honor of “Green Eggs and Ham” and enjoying a snack during independent reading time.
There were five literacy stations throughout the school. In the lobby, students could vote on their favorite Dr. Seuss books by putting a cube in a bin. Another spot featured a read aloud by author Angela O’Hoppe, who visited the school in February, of her recently published book, “If You Choose to Believe Them.” The entire school contributed to a fiction story about a squirrel named Pickle with each class writing a page. An exercise station had 10 physical activities that connected to books, and students unscrambled the names of book character at a word jumbles station.
The library welcomed parents as mystery readers throughout the week, with library media specialist Nicole Congro giving a few clues before the guest walked in.
“This annual event delighted our students and showed them the excitement and joy that comes from sharing a book together,” Ms. Congro said.
Teachers and staff signed up to be guest readers in different classrooms. There was also a literature-themed door decorating contest. Several teachers spearheaded craft projects in which students shared their favorite books.
“Read Across McKenna Week was created to encourage children to read more books and to promote excitement for reading,” Assistant Principal Mary Anne Ferraro said. “Students and teachers were thrilled to share their favorite fiction and nonfiction books throughout the week. The secret readers, themes for each day, door decorating contest and reading stations added some extra fun.”