Lombard's Trinity Lutheran School Transforms Reading and Writing into Unique Adventures

Experiential Book Adventures, Master Calligrapher take Students Beyond Boundaries

Adventures in Reading

Trinity Lutheran School in Lombard is taking books beyond boundaries with “Reading Night Adventures” on Wednesday evening, September 24, as the faculty transforms classrooms into a diverse selection of storybook-themed environments.

Students and their families will experience surprises at the family oriented event that begins at 6:30 p.m.

“It’s about keeping reading fun and demonstrating how with books there are no boundaries – when you read you can go anywhere and experience anything. It’s the original virtual experience,” shared Lorry Davies, who runs the office at Trinity.

Parents and children will rotate together through four different reading adventures. They will jump into the ocean of imagination with “The Rainbow Fish” experience created by the early childhood staff. Trinity’s 7th and 8th grade students will present “The Three Little Pigs” puppet show. “Poetry Café” brings a variety of verse to life under the direction of the 5th and 6th grade class. Adults and students will have an opportunity to read together “Under the Stars.”

Each participating child will receive an activity book built around the evening’s experiences to take home.

Adventures in Writing

Thursday morning holds another adventure for the school with a presentation by master calligraphy artist, Timothy R. Botts. The celebrated calligrapher will visit with the students on September 25, at a 10:30 a.m. interactive demonstration.

Though internationally published, Botts is known to many area residents for his elegant and colorful scripture murals displayed throughout Advocate Good Samaritan Hospital in Downers Grove. His books include both unaccompanied volumes of calligraphy and collections of commissioned companion art for poetry, devotions, and song lyrics.

Botts’ work has been described as a “visual onomatopoeia” – words drawn to express what they mean, such as the word “rain” illustrated in translucent blue streaks like rainfall. Botts explains his art as, “characterized by variety, a reflection of my observation of nature, and frequent joy that comes from my personal experience with the gospel of Jesus.” He calls calligraphy a “natural link between my art and spirituality…for one who reveres the Holy Bible as God’s words.”

In schools, Botts demonstrates “imaginative appropriateness” as he works with young people to identify and develop their artistic gifts.

Books, Books, Books

As “Reading Night Adventures” and the Timothy Botts visit demonstrate, the faculty and staff at Trinity are working hard to cultivate the next generation of readers and book lovers. In this era of ebooks and Kindle readers, Trinity is betting that books won’t lose this dedicated fan base.

In keeping with this literary theme, Trinity’s parent group is hosting a book sale, October 24 through 26. All are invited to peruse a huge collection of bargain priced books, CDs, DVDs, and VHS tapes. The sale boasts a variety that includes children’s books, cookbooks, thrillers, sci-fi series, sports biographies, political and religious bestsellers, and even classroom books for teachers.

The book sale hours on Friday, October 24, are 3:30 to 8 p.m., on Saturday, October 25, are 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., and on Sunday, October 26, are 10 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Sunday shoppers can take advantage of the $10 bag sale.

Those wishing to donate books prior to the sale may contact Trinity’s office at 630.627.5601.

Trinity Lutheran School, on the northeast corner of Roosevelt and Meyers, has been providing faith-based Christian education for children from age three through 8th grade for 154 years. For information about Trinity, visit TrinityLombard.org. To schedule a prospective enrollment meeting, please email schoolinfo@trinitylombard.org or call 630.627.5601.

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