GCPS schools celebrate Read Across America: Spotlight on Gwin Oaks and Taylor Elementary Schools

     During the first week in March, students across the district engaged in read-along activities, dressed up as characters from their favorite books, and enjoyed stories read by guest readers. And where was the starting point for all of this literacy fun? Right in the media center, the largest classroom in the schools! Media Specialists Sharon Amolo and Meg Lovejoy, at Gwin Oaks and Taylor Elementary schools, respectively, shared a glance of their busy week sharing the love of reading with students.

     At Taylor Elementary, the activities included a kick-off on the red carpet, daily dress-up themes, guest readers, and virtual literacy opportunities. “A Mystery Reader was featured from staff around the school on the morning news broadcast, there were special read-alouds with me in the Media Center, partner activities, and everybody received an ‘I Love to Read’ bracelet,” shares Lovejoy. “The kids were engaged listeners and participants with our many different guest readers, who modeled joyful reading experiences and facilitated fabulous discussions!”

     Lovejoy captured pictures of the daily action and highlighted selected titles for each grade level. “My personal read aloud lessons to grades Kindergarten through 5th grade also coincided with our big messages for the week.  After each story, the students make connections, and we discuss the main themes and important concepts of each story together,” she says.

     Gwin Oaks Elementary’s 3rd, 4th, and 5th graders enjoyed a Storywalk with Nibbles the Book Monster and the staff participated in a live Rock, Paper, Scissors tournament based on the book, The Legend of Rock, Paper, and Scissors. Amolo created a daily collection showing competitions between teachers, opportunities to learn the identity of the school’s Masked Readers, and students participating in literacy learning activities.

     “At Gwin Oaks, Read Across America Week brought stories to life, filling our school with excitement and discovery,” shares Amolo. “The Masked Reader was a favorite, keeping students engaged as they eagerly guessed and celebrated the big reveals, showing that reading is full of surprises and adventure!”

     She adds, “Our young readers are curious, engaged, and eager to explore new stories. Whether they are trying to figure out a mystery identity, walking through a story in the halls, or participating in reading challenges both at school and at home, they show enthusiasm and a love of learning that extends beyond the classroom.”