Read Across America
Rahway Public Schools
Franklin Elementary School in Rahway recently spent a week celebrating Read Across America. Throughout the week of February 28-March 4, students took part in many different and exciting activities that centered around reading. Various administrative supervisors, board of education members, retired teachers, and community members came to the school as guest readers to surprise the children. Some classes created their very own books. Older students read to younger students. Others, inspired by the book Bartholomew and the Oobleck, made oobleck—a gooey substance comprised of cornstarch and water that serves as both a science experiment and a fun time!
One day, students were invited to partake in a heritage show and tell. Some wore traditional dress from their paternal countries; others shared meaningful items that celebrate their heritage.
The week ended with the entire student body going into the hallway to read a book, which formed a “reading train.” The culmination of the week saw everyone jumping up onto their feet for a fun schoolwide dance—the Cupid Shuffle.
It was a memorable week that helped support the school’s initiative to foster a love of reading among its students. As part of this initiative, the school has given out about 220 reading medals to students from kindergarten through sixth grade for filling up their reading logs so far this year. Of course, helping students develop a love of reading is a year-round objective, but Read Across America provides a special week to focus on a variety of fun, exciting, and inspiring reading activities.
