March: Parents as Reading Partners Month!

This past March was Parents as Reading Partners Month! For the month of March, 250 participating students agreed to read together with a partner every night. Students tracked their reading hours and handed them in to Cottle Librarian, Ms. Regan at the end of the month. All participants were recognized with certificates in April.

To spark further excitement for reading, on March 22, illustrator and author Judith Caseley visited William E. Cottle School. Ms. Caseley led assemblies geared at bringing her stories to life as well as inspiring an interest in writing and illustrating. The author/illustrator also autographed books and participated in a luncheon where a representative from each class had an opportunity to ask questions about her books as well as about her career path. In preparation for the visit, students read from Ms. Caseley’s catalog of over thirty-eight works in order to better understand her storytelling and use of illustration.

The month of March was full of additional activities aimed at developing a love of reading and writing.

• Students celebrated Read Across America Day and Dr. Suess' birthday on March 2 by wearing red.
• Students in grades 4 and 5 reflected on their writing this year and selected the pieces they were most proud of to display on a board outside the main office.
• A book swap was held on March 27 allowing students to trade in their favorite reads for new titles that interest them.
• The PTA program Books-n-Bites has also contributed to the month. The program organized lunchtime book groups led by parents, teachers and administrators.