Flower Hill Primary School students embraced their love of reading by enthusiastically participating this year’s national Read Across America program.
Launched in 1998 by the National Education Association and guided by a committee of educators, Read Across America is the nation’s largest celebration of reading. This year-round program focuses on motivating children and teens to read books and items they may not think to read through the year and to celebrate the love and joy of reading for all.
“We celebrated our love of reading for a full week,” Flower Hill Principal Lucia Laguarda said. On Monday, everyone read silly stories and wore something silly to school. On Tuesday, students read books about famous Americans and dressed like them. The youngsters learned more about famous inventors, celebrities and more.
On Wednesday, Flower Hill read about influential athletes and wore something to represent our favorite sports team. On Thursday, everyone read about a different culture and wore something to represent their own culture or hometown. Friday saw students reading their favorite books and wearing their favorite color to school.
“Everyone enjoyed Read Across America at Flower Hill and we will continue to read, read, read and read some more,” Ms. Laguarda said.
Flower Hill faculty and staff members encourage every student to make reading at home a daily habit.
“Once a passion for reading takes hold in a young person, the benefits extend far beyond the classroom,” states a presidential proclamation issued for Read Across America Week. “Reading broadens our perspective, introduces us to new worlds, cultures, and languages and cultivates our sense of empathy and understanding of other people’s experiences and views. Reading informs us, empowers us and teaches us the lessons of history. It helps us make sense of the world as it is and inspires us to dream of what it could be. Studies also show that reading improves our memory, helps us become better problem solvers and even reduces the chance of developing cognitive disorders such as Alzheimer’s down the road. And with the right book in hand, reading can nourish not only our minds, but our souls.”
