Last week was Right to Read week, and each day was different, with themes like hat day or mismatched day. Thursday, a rocking chair in the lobby never sat empty, with someone reading in it throughout the day.
“In schools a lot of times, reading is for a test or to answer questions,” said Literacy Coach Laurie Gage. “I want the kids to see adults reading in the rocking chair. They read too, and it can be for fun.”
While teachers and staff could sign up to read in the rocking chair, school and community members also took the opportunity to read to classes. Superintendent Cathy Milligan, Fairfield City Manager Art Pizzano and high school football coach Jason Krause took turns throughout the day to read a book of their choice to students.
Students didn’t just watch or listen to adults read, they also had “drop everything and read” time. Hearing an announcement, teachers would stop what they were working on and students would relax on a beach towel as they read a book of their choice. Wednesday, the announcement came at 2:36 p.m. to align with the 236 words in Dr. Suess’ “Cat in the Hat.”
“Sometimes I think with all the testing that goes on throughout the year and with the pressure we feel as teachers, we think we can’t have any fun,” Gage said. “This reminds everyone you can still have fun at school.”
Contact this reporter at (513) 483-5237 or kcano@coxohio.com.
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