“Oh, the Things They Did!” Evans students celebrate Read Across America
Two visiting education majors from Commonwealth University of Pennsylvania provided an engaging part of their Read Across American day at W. W. Evans Elementary.
Helping lead the activities were visiting education majors from Commonwealth University of Pennsylvania, who spent the day guiding Evans students through a series of literacy and science experiences inspired by the birthday of beloved children’s author Dr. Seuss.
In one classroom, students leaned over a table watching a simple science experiment bubble and fizz while debating what might happen next. Down the hall, younger students proudly wore the Dr. Seuss–themed headbands they had just created while listening to animated story readings.
Throughout the day, Evans students rotated through a variety of engaging stations designed to promote reading, creativity, and hands-on discovery. The activities were organized so every student in grades K–5 had the opportunity to participate. Principal Guy Moses coordinated the event to ensure that each class could fully participate in the celebration.
At one station, students completed an “Oh, the Places You’ll Go!” writing and goal-setting activity that encouraged them to reflect on their dreams and future possibilities. Other stations allowed students to create crafts connected to Dr. Seuss stories while practicing writing and storytelling skills.
Science stations added another layer of exploration. Through simple yet engaging experiments inspired by Seuss, students made predictions, observed results, and discussed their findings. The activities encouraged curiosity while helping students practice the same critical-thinking skills used by scientists.
For many Evans students, the highlight of the day was interacting with the visiting college students, who brought enthusiasm and energy to each activity. The elementary students not only heard familiar stories but experienced them in new ways through expressive reading and interactive discussion.
“They were great readers,” said one fourth grader. “We all have read Seuss books, but they made them exciting and new.”
A fifth grader said her favorite moment came during the final activity of the day, when the visiting college students led an energetic musical number that brought together multiple grade levels in a lively celebration of reading.
While the visit provided valuable field experience for the university juniors, who are enrolled in Cheryl Latorre’s Classroom Management and Child Guidance course and a science course taught by Dr. Stutzman, the focus remained squarely on creating a memorable learning experience for the Evans students.
By the end of the rotations, students had written, created, experimented, and shared in the joy of stories that have inspired generations of young readers.
To extend the experience beyond the school day, the university students also prepared letters for families encouraging reading at home and highlighting ways parents can continue supporting literacy development.
The collaboration demonstrated how partnerships between schools and universities can enrich learning in meaningful ways. For the students at W.W. Evans Elementary, the visit provided something even more lasting, a day filled with imagination, discovery, and the reminder that reading can open the door to endless possibilities.