Merrill Road Elementary recently hosted its Annual Literacy Week, featuring activities designed to showcase the importance of reading and writing for students, families and other community stakeholders.
One of the highlights of the week was a visit by children's author Jennifer Swanson who shared the latest adventures of the two lovable dog characters from her Penny and Rio early chapter books.
The Penny and Rio series is based upon Jennifer's own pets, and she captivates students' imaginations with their many adventures as "backyard detectives." In addition, she inspires young audience members to become writers themselves and convinces them that they each have a real life story to share!
The market for Swanson's children's books has recently expanded to Europe, and she remains in demand as an inspiring author to whom children and families easily relate.
During her time at Merrill Road Elementary, Swanson had interactive read-alouds with all classes, and was also available during Literacy Night for any students and parents who wanted to purchase and have autographed any of the Penny and Rio stories.
Other Literacy Week Events include:
- "Go Green, Share a Book" book exchange - Students donated gently used books and were able to select a new book which also has been donated.
- A school-wide Book Fair
- Book Character Dress Up Day - All students and faculty came to school dressed as his or her favorite character from a children's book!
- Literacy Night – Provided educational sessions for families, and students with opportunities to make their own journals or bound books. There was also a showcase of technology and online programs for students to reinforce or enrich their learning experiences through Compass Odyssey.
Principal Julie Hudson said she knows Merrill Road Elementary’s Literacy Week helped to “inspire a lifelong pursuit of the joy of literacy and learning!”
More 'Spotlight on Education' Articles
