By Denise Gary
Photos by Denise Gary
Kids Need to Read (KNTR) had a terrific time giving books to the second grade students of Lowell Elementary School, the third giving day this year with our partners, Mesa Arts Center (MAC). KNTR provides books in support of MAC’s Literacy through the Arts program at the school. Each year, kindergarten through third grade students experience five weeks of arts and literacy programming in their classrooms, culminating in a gift of books and a corresponding play at the arts center. This is the third year of our partnership and we are very proud of the results for these lucky children.
Earlier this year, KNTR and MAC provided The Cat in the Hat to the kindergarteners and The Big Friendly Giant to the first grade students. This past week, we joined Professional Teaching Artist Ashley Laverty for her final in-class day with the second grade children, following a live storytelling experience at the center with author Antonio Rocha. The book chosen for this unit was The Best Story, by Eileen Spinelli, a truly excellent book that inspires children to follow their own creative heart.
Students in Ms. Towle and Ms. Peterson’s classes were surprised and happy to receive new books. (Two other classes received their books on a different day.) We encouraged the children to read their books with their family members.
Ashley received a thick stack of thank you letters from the children for presenting the five-week program.
Oh, the treasures you find while wandering a classroom!
Literacy through the Arts utilizes books to “develop critical literacy skills, while engaging students in interactive storytelling, creative movement, collaborative conversations, and independent exploration.” Next up is Frindle for the third grade classes. We cannot wait to return for Book Give Day!
Related Blog: Literacy through the Arts with Mesa Arts Center
