Unwrapping the gift of reading

Tuesday, November 19, brought out young children, their parents and volunteer readers from high-school students to professional business people for an evening of varied activities which included story time, cookie decorating and gift-wrapping of books to give away. More than 75 parents and children signed up for the event ahead of time.

The program used grant money applied for by elementary teacher Kim Todd, as well as new and used books donated by members of the Odessa community. Following instructions given by curriculum supervisor and retired second-grade teacher Bev Scherr, the groups of children and parents dispersed to the different areas of the school where stations for various activities were set up.

The school library housed several different groups for story time, while the cafeteria had stations for gift-wrapping, cookie decorating and book selection. The children appeared very excited about the evening's focus on reading and books. For some children, it was an opportunity to see their parents in the role of volunteer reader or activity supervisor.

Since the event took place on a Tuesday evening, The Record's staff was unable to stay for the entire time. Based on the initial impression, however, it must have been a resounding success.

As everyone gathered in the high-school commons, there was a sense of great anticipation. Kyle Tebow manned the sign-up table, while retired teacher and volunteer for the evening, Nancy Floether, handed out tickets for the events and explained the order in which they would take place.

Part of the purpose for Tuesday's event was to kick off a period during which parents and children read together regularly this winter and through the holiday season. It is hoped that this focus on reading together will encourage more such family time in the future. Studies have shown, that when families read together and emphasize reading as a fun and worthwhile activity, literacy levels among their children increase dramatically.