An Editorial Opinion of The Luverne Journal

The week of March 3 – 7, local schools and libraries hosted programs as part of Read Across America. The National Education Association initiative aimed to get children reading employs a variety of methods and fun activities to boost literacy among school-aged scholars.

The effort, in many communities, also plays on the strength of community partnerships by inviting community members into the classroom to read for children.

Crenshaw County District Judge Jon Folmar and the Children’s Policy Council partnered with the Luverne Public Library to wrap up Read Across America with a fun and entertaining event, “The Magic of Reading.” Folmar and Sheriff Terry Mears sportingly took a pie in the face for donations to benefit the Dolly Parton Imagination Library after festivities which included a magic show, face painting, snacks and games.

Lowndes County Public Schools hosted Read Across America events, too. Fort Deposit Elementary Head Start invited their community partners into the classroom and on Friday, Regional Editor Lanell Smith read “On Beyond Bugs! All about Insects” with Head Start students. Smith left healthy snacks for the kids after talking about everyone’s favorite insects and a few insects the children thought were “really icky.”

On Thursday, staff reporter Amy Lewis engaged in the effort and read to students at First Steps Child Development Learning Center. Other Butler County leaders, like Butler County District Judge Nikki McFerrin, participated in the program, bringing along the lovable character, Spud, to engage young readers. The judge also gifted each student with a coloring book, just another way to get them interested in reading.

Inside the classroom or out in the community, Read Across America helps children discover that reading can be fun. The partners who engage for the events show students that the community cares for them by showing up to engage them in reading, a skill they will use for a lifetime.

We are encouraged by all the community members who came together and made reading-focused events so successful this year. Our newsroom is honored to come alongside community members committed to helping young learners discover the magic of reading.