The cry of polite protestation came from across the library after T. Claire told the class it was time to move on. The third grade had been reading silently for the past 45 minutes - each student comfortably curled up on a rug, lying on a pillow, or seated on a chair or bench - and they did not want the time to end. Nor did I.
I had the pleasure of joining the third grade twice over the past week as they enjoyed silent sustained reading in the new library. Both were welcome excuses to "drop everything" and simply read. How often in the middle of our busy days do we take a half-hour or more to read, uninterrupted? I highly recommend it!
The first of these opportunities was last Thursday as part of our participation in Read Across America. That morning, District Judge Gwenn Knapp, who is also an alumni parent as well as a member of our Board and West Chester Meeting, administered the Reader's Oath to all of our students. She then read one of her children's favorite picture books, The Sneetches, by Dr. Seuss, to pre-k and kindergarten. After lunch, the upper grades gave up their recess (almost without complaint) and enjoyed an extended independent reading time. T. Sally dubbed it, "Read-cess."
Spring Break is upon us. Whether traveling or simply staying home, we can sometimes become too busy even on a vacation. I encourage you all in the coming week - and beyond - to "Take a Break for Reading."
As we recited last week:
I promise to read
Each day and each night.
I know it's the key
To growing up right.
Each day and each night.
I know it's the key
To growing up right.
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