At schools across the territory last week, volunteers from several organisations helped students celebrate Reading is Fun Week by sharing stories and otherwise appreciating the world of literature.
The main goal of the annual celebration is to spark a love and interest in reading through fun activities.
Volunteers from the local book club A Novel Bunch read the story of the first African American woman to travel to space: Mae Among the Stars, by Roda Ahmed. Students who paid attention and were quick to answer questions won rewards.
They then engaged in a call and response to the book’s core message: “If I believe in it, and if I work hard for it, anything is possible.”
Club president Gevonie Percival said one of the most rewarding moments came from reading at Leonora Delville Primary School.
“One little girl said she doesn’t like reading: However, at the end of our story she was excited to answer all the questions. And when I asked, ‘Do you enjoy reading now?’ she replied, ‘Yes.’ Mission accomplished. That made our day.”
This was the first year the club participated in reading at schools for Reading is Fun Week.
Other organisations including Green VI, Money Matters BVI and the National Bank of the Virgin Islands shared in the festivities as well.
Money Matters BVI said its volunteers read to more than 200 students, sharing the story of “The Four Money Bears” with students in grades three and four, and “Think and Grow Rich” to seniors at Cedar International School.
“Students were keen to share their ideas regarding how they, like the bears in the story, could create balance for themselves in the future and support their parents’ financial goals when it comes to giving, saving, investing, and spending their money,” the organisation stated.
BVI Financial Services Commission Managing Director and CEO Kenneth Baker said financial literacy is an important lifelong skill.
Schools throughout the territory led their own celebrations as well, planning days with an assortment of educational activities like guest readings, competitions, opportunities to read outdoors, and book-related crafting.
Joyce Samuel Primary said students read a total of 105 books during their 14-day reading challenge, and their week concluded with the “Beekeepers” reading The Day the Crayons Quit to the children.
Ebenezer Thomas Primary School welcomed Ms. Plus World BVI Sylvanna Charles to read poetry, organised a literary scavenger hunt, and built models of traditional sloops.
Students at Bregado Flax Educational Centre embraced the animated arts by dressing up as their favourite book characters, and Enis Adams Primary School lauded VI authors including Geoffrey Brooks. One of Willard Wheatley Primary’s featured events was a nursery rhyme showdown by teachers.
EAPS also welcomed Deputy Governor David Archer Jr. on Friday to read a children’s book by VI teacher Jennie Wheatley, Arianna Likes to Read.
“Don’t forget: Please read, read, read,” Mr. Archer offered as parting words to the students. “Play a lot, but read a lot.”