Wild about words: Memorial Elementary turns every day into a reading adventure
A Bloomsburg High School senior and member of the Educator Rising Club mesmerized a second-grade class with her rendition of a Dr. Seuss classic.
Celebrated annually in early March, Read Across America began in 1998 as an initiative of the National Education Association to promote literacy and cultivate a lifelong love of reading. Over the years, it has grown into a nationwide celebration that encourages schools to build community around books through creative themes, guest readers, and shared reading experiences. At Memorial Elementary, this year’s observance reflected both the spirit and the staying power of that mission.
Monday’s theme, “Reading Is a Team Sport,” invited students and staff to wear team jerseys or athletic gear, a fitting metaphor for the collaborative nature of literacy. At 2:00 p.m., an announcement signaled the schoolwide Drop Everything and Read (DEAR) time. Whether in their homerooms or expressive arts classes, students paused for approximately ten minutes to immerse themselves in self-selected books. The quiet hum of pages turning was a reminder that while reading may be a personal act, it flourishes within a supportive team.
Tuesday eventually brought a burst of color for “Reading Makes You Bright.” Clad in neon and vibrant hues, students welcomed guest readers into their classrooms at scheduled times throughout the day. These visitors, community members, and educators alike shared favorite stories and modeled expressive reading. The experience reinforced for students that reading extends beyond textbooks and assignments; it connects generations and strengthens community ties.
On Wednesday, animal prints and safari themes roamed the corridors for “Wild About Reading.” The highlight of the afternoon was the Reading Buddies activity. Upper elementary students transitioned to assigned buddy classrooms, carrying two age-appropriate books to share with younger peers. The older students embraced their roles as mentors, reading aloud with patience and pride, while the younger children listened intently. The cross-grade connections fostered confidence, fluency, and a shared sense of accomplishment that lingered long after the final page. One second grader shared that the fifth grader who read to his class has become his best friend.
Thursday’s “Sock It to Reading” theme added a playful touch, as students sported brightly patterned, colorful socks. Adding to the fun, the PTO provided popcorn, transforming ordinary reading time into a cozy, celebratory event. The simple pairing of books and a favorite snack created a multisensory experience that students thoroughly enjoyed, reinforcing the idea that reading can be both comforting and joyful.
The week concluded on Friday with “Cozy Up With a Book.” Pajamas and comfy clothes set the tone for a relaxed yet purposeful day. Memorial welcomed about 30 visitors from Bloomsburg High School’s Educators Rising Club and the Education CTE program, who followed a sign-up schedule to spend time in classrooms. Their presence offered elementary students a glimpse of future educators in the making, subtly planting seeds of leadership and service in education as they read books to them and followed up with creative activities that supported each book’s message. One high school student noted, “Educators Rising has helped me serve as a role model for younger students and stay organized by planning activities and lesson plans. Reading to these children today has given me an idea of what an elementary teacher does every day.”
That morning also marked the culmination of the Home Reading Challenge, with completed forms submitted to the office, a tangible testament to the time students invested in reading beyond the school day. Twelve students were randomly chosen for breakfast with the principal the following Monday, when everyone enjoyed donuts.
From team jerseys to crazy socks, from popcorn treats to buddy classrooms, every activity throughout the week was met with enthusiasm. More importantly, each event underscored a consistent message: reading is not confined to a single subject, a single day, or even a single week. It is a shared endeavor that thrives on creativity, encouragement, and community participation.
Even an ice storm could not dampen the spirit of Read Across America at Memorial Elementary. Instead, the week served as a vivid reminder that when a school community rallies around literacy, every student is part of the winning team.