A Reading Wonderland at West Carroll Primary Family Night

By Lynnette Forth For The Prairie Advocate News

THOMSON – The West Carroll Primary School was transformed into a reading wonderland for families on January 19, 2012. Members of the Reading Night Committee put forth much effort and hard work in order to host the event.

West Carroll Kindergarten teacher Kim Falk said, “We had a great turnout. Next year we hope to get parents more involved in the planning process, and offer some different opportunities. It’s fun to see the excitement in the kids.”

Many events were offered to engage families. The gymnasium was turned into an “Under the Stars” campground for the evening, complete with tents, flashlights, trees, and nature sounds. Families were encouraged to bring a favorite book and relax in a hammock or warm up in front of an awesome indoor camp fire.

One of the favorite events of the evening was a book swap held in the art room. Hundreds of children’s books were brought in to exchange. There were so many, in fact, that a student that didn’t bring in a book was allowed to choose one to take home. The room was crowded the entire night.

Therapy Dogs International (TDI) brought many dogs for families to read a book to. TDI Member Chris Mason of Mount Carroll said, “Each dog goes through testing to determine if they would be a good candidate for the program.”

All of the dogs are well behaved, and enjoy sitting for a story. Many youngsters visited with the dogs for quite some time, even coming back more than once.

One room was transformed into a Slumber Party. Sleeping bags and popcorn were on hand to ensure a comfy resting place to listen to a story read by older students that graciously volunteered their time to participate. Students enjoyed the tasty popcorn, and many families took advantage of the inviting atmosphere.

The Media Center was used as a location for the Poetry Café. Families were asked to bring along a poem to share. Just outside of the Media Center, a Craft Hut was stationed to allow families to make their own bookmark to take home. This was also a popular area during the evening.

The cafeteria was used for the Snack Shack. Participants could enjoy “ants on a log, indoor smores”, and juice. Parents donated supplies for the snacks as well as the juice. Parents, children, siblings, and even grandparents enjoyed a tasty treat to end the enjoyable evening.

The members of the Reading Committee put on a wonderful evening, enjoyed by all that attended. Many stated they look forward to next year, and can’t wait to see what these devoted teachers and faculty have planned for the future. Once again, the WCPS has provided a great family activity.

TDI Dogs a Big Hit at Family Reading Night

(Left) Students and parents alike enjoyed reading to the great dogs from Therapy Dogs International during the West Carroll Primary School Family Reading Night on Jan. 19, 2012.

(Right) Erika Tubbs and her beagle Brodie were just two of the several dogs and their owners that helped out at Family Reading Night. Watch the Prairie Advocate News for a more comprehensive feature on these remarkable therapy dogs in the future.

(PA photos/Lynnette Forth)