Duncan Middle School’s National Junior Honor Society promoted literacy among pre-k and elementary students, by taking time to read to pre-k to first-graders.
In total 24 NJHS members participated in Read Across America, a national event and week, tied to Theodor Geisel‘s (Dr. Suess) birthday where people, including politicians and dignitaries, read to children in early literacy grades. For the DMS NJHS, members visited all five Duncan elementary schools, Will Rogers Pre-K, the Elk Crossing pre-k classroom, the self-contained classroom at DMS and Foundations Learning Center’s three-year-old program. NJHS split the reading schedule between two days, with eighth-graders going to schools on March 4 and seventh-graders going to schools on March 5.
“We had so much fun,” NJHS sponsor Derrick Miller said. “I’m glad we get to read to the kids.”
Miller said Read Across America is beneficial for everyone who is involved. Not only do the students in the early grades have someone read to them, the older students also benefit through developing leadership skills.
Delaney Ward, eighth-grader, was among the NJHS members to participate in Read Across America.
“I love helping the kids learn and see what they can become,” Ward said.
The students, who signed up to participate in Read Across America, were encouraged to bring some of their favorite storybooks and to plan for different grade and reading levels.
Joaquin Gutierrez, seventh-grade NJHS member, brought some of his favorite books to read.
“My favorite book to read to the kids was Cat in the Hat because they liked to answer the questions,” Gutierrez said.
Just like Gutierrez, several of the NJHS members made Read Across America interactive for their audiences, by asking questions or playing games.
Brooklyn Richards, eighth-grade member, said she enjoyed spending time with the younger students.
“My favorite part was talking and getting to know the kids,” Richards said. “We had so much fun. I would do it again.”
