During the month of February, North Royalton Elementary School (NRES) is embarking on a special project: an all school book club. Every family has received a copy of the same book, Betty G. Birney’s, “The World According to Humphrey,” which they will read at home throughout February. The school hosted an assembly on Jan. 27 to kick off the program.
NRES is asking everyone at the school–students, parents, teachers, and administrators–to set aside some time to participate in this special activity. “Our building’s Literacy Committee has selected a title that can be followed, understood, and enjoyed by younger students, but that will still captivate and engage our older children as well,” said Principal Kirk Pavelich, North Royalton Elementary School.
Students’ copy of “The World According to Humphrey” includes a reading schedule to keep families on track. Families will be expected to read a chapter–about 15 minutes–of the book Monday-Thursday nights in February. They also have the option to listen to chapter videos created by NRES staff members. Each morning, trivia questions about the previous night’s chapter will be asked on the announcements, and students who answer correctly can earn prizes.
In the book, Humphrey goes on many adventures, so students will be able to take a “Flat Humphrey” on adventures too. Students can share stories with pictures or drawings about their adventures with “Flat Humphrey” on postcards that will be hung in the cafeteria for all to see. “Students may choose to bring Humphrey to the public library, to pick up a pizza, or on a bicycle ride. They may watch a movie with Humphrey or take him to a sporting event,” explained the Literacy Committee.
NRES is starting this project and highly encourages participation because reading aloud at home is valuable for children and will help prepare students to be more effective readers. Plus, it’s a fun activity to bring the family together. NRES is thrilled to be building a community of passionate readers.