“I can literally hear the kids cheering through my classroom wall!” says Kara, a teacher at Clara Barton Elementary School.
It’s not pizza day. It’s not movie time. It’s not the last day of school. It’s the day students’ Book Trust books arrive.
Kara continues, “Sharyn teaches in the classroom next to mine and her students LOVE getting their books every month.” Kara and Sharyn share a wall and as teachers in Book Trust classrooms, they share a love of reading too.
“Book Trust gives students the power of choice,” explains Kara. “There is nothing cooler than seeing a child’s face light up when their favorite book gets delivered. They know that the book is going to its new forever home, and that home is theirs!”
According to Kara, Sharyn is the school’s biggest Reading Hero.
Sharyn began teaching second grade at Clara Barton Elementary School in Philadelphia in 2020, when teaching was virtual during the pandemic. “It makes it even more special to be present with the students now and distribute Book Trust books to them in person,” she says.
Sharyn hosts a Book Celebration in her classroom when students’ books arrive. It’s an opportunity to make reading more than an assignment; through celebration, it becomes personally meaningful for students. “I hand out the books and everyone applauds for one another as they receive their books,” explains Sharyn.
“It can get a little noisy! It’s like a book party that celebrates choice and ownership. We’re all cheering for books and reading!” Things quiet down for independent reading time, and Sharyn always encourages her students to read their Book Trust books.
The lead up to Book Celebrations in Sharyn classroom is almost just as fun. Sharyn takes time to explore the Book Trust flyers, which include a variety of book options for students. “We talk about books as a class and make suggestions based on themes students have enjoyed in the past and new interests,” explains Sharyn. Her efforts help students to make positive connections with books and reading that she hopes will last a lifetime!
“Reading was always a part of my life. My mom is an avid reader, and my two daughters are avid readers as well,” says Sharyn. “I have always loved children and really want to help them learn and grow—reading is a critical part of that!”
For adults looking to be Reading Heroes themselves, Sharyn offers this advice: Just sit with your child every day and read to them or have them read to you!
Become a Reading Hero today by making a donation today.
