To fall in love with reading
<p>First graders Matthew Wyatt and R.J. Butler read together during their "stop, drop and read" time.</p>
Plains students take advantage of "I Love to Read" month
PLAINS – Dr. Seuss once said “the more that you read, the more things you will know. The more that you learn, the more places you’ll go.”
The kids at Plains Public Schools are putting that saying to the test this month as I Love to Read month takes over campus.
According to Gena Ferlan, Title 1 teacher, the month provides the kids with plenty of opportunity and incentive to read to their heart’s content.
All students from kindergarten through high school are involved, although the main activities are focused towards the younger kids.
In one first grade class, a bell rang to signify it was time to read.
“Stop, drop and read,” said Denise Montgomery.
Montgomery’s first grade class responded quickly, dropping their current projects. The kids scurried off to their reading places packed with blankets, pillows and comfy chairs – it was their time to read and take it in.
According to Montgomery, her students are each required to read 30 books. Although that number seems like a lot, Montgomery said it could be easily accomplished.
It was apparent the kids enjoyed this time of the day. Their eyes lit up and when asked, many of the kids dove into their personal goals of how many books they wanted to read – pride streaming from their smiles.
For their hard work, all the students in kindergarten through second grade will be rewarded with a free book from the book fair the school will host in March.
As for the kids in third to sixth grade, the prizes get even better.
The Ponemah Masonic Lodge #63 in Plains donated eight Kindles and one bicycle for the kids to win.
As each kid reads a book, they are required to take a quick reading test to earn points for what they have read. For every five points the kids earn, they receive a ticket that will enter into a raffle to win a Kindle or a bike.
“The more they read, the more chances they have. Anyone can have a chance,” Ferlan explained.
The fun doesn’t stop there. An assembly is planned for Wednesday February 26 at 1:45 p.m. A top-secret prize is presented to the kids. Last year a few students had the opportunity to silly string their elementary school principal, Jim Holland, in the face. This year another fun activity is planned but no one is willing to say what it is. It is meant to be a surprise and that is exactly what the teachers are aiming to keep it as.
The seventh grade through seniors in high school are also able to participate in I Love to Read Month and are able to win prizes put up by the library.
“The whole school gets into it,” Ferlan said.
During the month of February, certain activities are planned school wide to keep the spirit of reading alive. This year the theme is centered around a fiesta or party. In order to add to the fun, the cafeteria has been decorated to represent the theme and offers Fiesta Friday, where the kitchen serves Mexican food.
The principals are also taking part in the occasion. Each Friday one of the principals dresses up and goes through the different classes, checking in on everyone’s progress.
Last week Plains High School Principal Larry McDonald dressed up with a sombrero and maracas as he went to every class reading a poem.
The surprises are endless but the ultimate goal remains the same. The more the kids read, the better their reading skills will get. The month aims at giving the kids plenty of fun opportunities to fall in love with reading. The hope is the love will stick for many more years to come.