On The Trail to a Reading Life

Hazelwood Elementary School celebrates the joy of reading!

“On the Trail to a Reading Life” was the theme of Hazelwood Elementary School’s 5th Annual Literacy Night.  Hazelwood is definitely a school of readers during the day and it was also evident in the evening by the high attendance of Hazelwood students and their families.

The night started out with “Dinner for Buck” where families could share a meal together in the school cafeteria.  Over 200 hot dogs were grilled outside for the many hungry readers who arrived.  When finished, they entered the lobby to pick up a trail map and then headed into the gym.  The gym was decorated like a camping adventure with tents, camping chairs, flashlights, and blankets.  The original plan was to have this event outside, but the recent rain dampened that idea, but not the excitement of the students.

As families moved around the gym they came to tents/tables each with a theme of discovering the joy of reading.  Teachers at these tables gave parents and caregivers ideas on how they could support their child’s reading life and help them become a stronger reader.  There were comprehension games that were played, bookmarks to be made, book levels to decipher, and instructions on how to read-aloud to your children.  On the stage were several chairs and blankets where families could read together and students could also win a book as they played musical chairs.  There was also a Leader in Me table highlighting how we can “Sharpen our Saw” – Habit #7 – by reading independently and together.  Several books relating to each of the 7 Habits were also provided to spur on discussion of the Habits at home.   As a Leader in Me school, we are always trying to find ways to promote and reinforce the use of our 7 Habits.  At the end of the trail, each student received s’more makings to top off their evening of reading and adventure.

We believe at Hazelwood that helping students develop a reading life will provide them with a firm foundation to reach their infinite potential.  Helping parents and caregivers see their important role in this endeavor is what Literacy Night is all about at Hazelwood.  We are “Beginning with the End in Mind” – Habit #2 and trying to achieve the goal of helping our students become lifelong readers.   We are well on our way!