Written by Trilby Berry-Tayman

Our excellent Avon teachers and many members of our community strive constantly to motivate our Avon Elementary students. One of the many examples of this effort happened on May 18-24 when Pine Tree Elementary invited community members into their school to participate in their Read-In Week. This year’s theme was “Go on a Reading Safari”.

Members from the community were invited to come into school and read one of their favorite books to the students. The students were also able to dress up in a different animal themed costume each day of the read-in.

There is nothing better than sharing a good book with eager listeners. Megan Schneider of Pine Tree Elementary, as part of the Pine Tree Read-In Committee set up a fun, educational week of activities to promote literacy. The activities included book-themed dress-up days, a book parade and famous guest readers from the community.

Community members were requested to volunteer 30 minutes from their day to come to classrooms and read to eager listeners. Avon Town Manager, Tom Klein was able to find the time to inspire with his reading of The Giving Tree. Meanwhile, the students had their own competition and tracked the number of pages they read during the week. The entire school focused on a specific book each day. Monday the students wore wacky clothing as they shared the book, Where the Wild Things Are. They read If You Had Animal Hair on Tuesday so the children could wear crazy hair styles to go along with the book. Wednesday’s book called Animals Should Definitely Not Wear Clothing allowed the children to dress up in animal prints. The Rainbow Fish was picked for Thursday where students could dress as twins or wear Pine Tree shirts. On Friday the week closed with the students dressing in their favorite book character and participate in a parade.

It certainly was a fun week to experience at Pine Tree. Seeing firsthand how our teachers and community work together to help motivate and show our early learners how exciting and fun reading can be was truly an experience I attribute to Avon Community School system’s dedication to their students. Without the support of the Administration from the Principal to the Superintendent, none of this would be possible. Thank you everyone, teachers, community members, principals and superintendent. We couldn’t do this without you.

 

Trilby Berry-Tayman

Oriole Advocate

Pine Tree PTO