Osprey Nation Celebrates Read Across America Week
CAMP HUMPHREYS, SOUTH KOREA – Humphreys West Elementary recently celebrated Read Across America Week with a series of engaging activities that brought the joy of reading to life for students and staff alike. The main goal of the week was to remind students how much fun reading can be.
Read Across America Week is a significant event for the school community as it celebrates the fun and joy that come from reading.
“The event highlighted how reading is linked to various aspects of life, including educational achievement, focus, mental health, and critical thinking skills,” said Information Specialist Jennifer Hwang, who played a crucial role in facilitating the week’s activities. “This week promotes reading as an enjoyable activity rather than merely another piece of homework.”
The Masked Reader Event
The highlight of the week was the Masked Reader event, skillfully organized by
Pre-Kindergarten teacher Brittany Bonner. Seven dedicated teachers volunteered to read books in disguise, creating an atmosphere filled with mystery and excitement. This creative and interactive activity promoted literacy among students as the teachers dressed up in costumes and were filmed reading their favorite stories. Each educator provided three clues about their identity, challenging students to guess who the masked readers were. This approach not only encouraged attentive listening but also infused the reading experience with fun and curiosity.
The event culminated in an assembly held in the cafeteria, where the big reveal of the masked readers made for a memorable conclusion.
The Places You Read Setup
In addition to the Masked Reader event, the library was transformed into a magical space featuring different reading spots that mimicked various environments. Ms. Hwang and dedicated library volunteers set up these imaginative spaces, allowing students to choose to read in a fort, tent, beach, train, car, bus, couch, table, library, boat, and even a toilet! This creative setup allowed students to explore the joy of reading in their favorite locations, making the experience both enjoyable and memorable.
Positive Response from Students and Staff
Feedback from students and staff was overwhelmingly positive. Students loved reading in different places and enjoyed the interactive nature of the Masked Reader event. It was refreshing to see students sitting and reading purely for enjoyment.
