Daniel Wright Elementary Community Literacy Event

this spring is our 4^th annual Daniel Wright Elementary Community Literacy Event.

It will take place at Daniel Wright on April 28^th from 9:30 to 10:20 A.M.

We are having a visit from Ohio author David FitzSimmons; a copy of his work Curious Critters will be given to all of the second grade students at Daniel Wright. This work was chosen for its lovely and detailed photography, reading level suitability, and subject interest. Second graders have been targeted for this year to help create excitement about reading as they prepare for the challenge of next year’s Third Grade Reading test. The book is non-fiction and supports the Common Core’s focus on reading across the curriculum. School Media Specialist Marisa Saelzler is working with teachers to fit the book into the students’ lessons. Among other things, each student may be asked to create t-shirt with written clues on the front and the name of the animal on the back to highlight a writing component.

The Columbus Zoo is bringing animals to increase the students’ excitement and appreciation for the importance of reading.

Many thanks to Dublin A.M. Rotary, Daniel Wright PTO, and CML Friends of the Library for funding; to the Zoo for their support of the event; and to our friends at Costco, Karen Williams and Everitt Lilly, for donating water and non-allergenic snacks for the day.

As far as I know, this event may be unique in Ohio, and rare in the United States, for having a school, library, parents’ group, service organization, and partners such as the Zoo and Costco work together to address a literacy issue as a community.