Students in the second-grade classrooms of Lisa Korn and Megan Roscetti recently welcomed Teacher Created Materials Consultant, Autumn Valadez to kick off Read Across America Week.
The event, coordinated by Curriculum Instructional Specialist Phylis Marconi, also celebrated the birthday of famed children's book author Dr. Seuss as students listened to a reading of "Green Eggs and Ham."
"Teacher Created Materials develops innovative and imaginative educational materials and services for students that are created by teachers for teachers and students to make teaching more effective and learning fun," Valadez said.
"As the local TCM consultant, I look forward to opportunities to participate in Read Across America events with a visit to a school near me. This year, I was thrilled to partner with Grant School, by bringing a fun literacy activity to their second graders."
Following the read-aloud activity, the children then paired with a partner to create ideas aimed at continuing the classic story. After completing the work, the pages were assembled to produce a book for the second-grade classroom library.
At the close of the endeavor, the students received backpacks containing fiction and non-fiction books along with a writing journal and activity workbook.
Valadez was energized by the response of the students, noting that their enthusiasm made them a fantastic audience.
"The students were so creative, and we had so much fun working together that the time seemed to fly by!" she said.
"It was such a pleasure to celebrate reading with the second graders at Grant School, and it is occasions like this one that makes Read Across America Week my favorite time of year."
Marconi also was excited with the success of the activity, noting that the students were engaged with the read aloud, engrossed in the literacy activity, and excited to receive their own brand-new books."
"It was a wonderful reading and learning experience for all involved, and Mrs. Valadez did a marvelous job of engaging all of the students!"
Korn was thrilled at the enthusiasm for reading that the activity generated.
"Mrs. Valadez was truly a blessing to our second graders at Grant Elementary," Korn said. "She brought her love of reading and shared Green Eggs and Ham by Dr. Seuss in a fun and energetic way by assuming the character's voice and allowing students to help as well."
"They enjoyed the activity and were extremely grateful for the backpack filled with books they received. Every student couldn't wait to look through their books. Some students asked if they could take it to recess."
Mary Kay Entsminger, CHSD170's Assistant Superintendent for Curriculum and Instruction, was pleased with the success of the activity.
"An experience like this one will no doubt have a profound effect on many of the students who participated in the Reading Across America activity," Entsminger said.
"We hope that engaging students through fun and educational activities of this type will create a love of reading that will last a lifetime."
It was the students who participated in the celebration, however, who most enjoyed the experience.
"It was fun," said Katie DiCamillo. "Reading shouldn't be presented as a duty. It should be given as a gift."
In addition to its commitment to educational excellence, the Teacher Created Materials Company also is committed to giving back to our community, especially to schools and educational organizations. Part of creating a world in which children love to learn is building a school environment that is fun, safe, and exciting. We support this goal as a company by participating in Read Across America festivities.