One School, Two Books

On Wednesday, February 29, the South Mountain community came together to discuss two books as well as the experience of reading as a family.  

Families with children in grades K-2 bonded over THE STORIES JULIAN TELLS by Ann Cameron, while families with children in grades 3-5 enjoyed ELIJAH OF BUXTON by Christopher Paul Curtis.  

Beginning with a whole school gathering, 84 families -- more than 200 people -- were welcomed by Principal Lehn who read a letter Ann Cameron wrote to the students of South Mountain.  Adults and children then shared their thoughts on their journey reading together over 7 weeks.  

Many expressed their gratefulness for the reminder that, despite the hectic schedules in every home, reading, especially reading together should be a common occurrence.  They mentioned benefits from the experience such as bringing the family closer, launching sincere discussions and inciting conversations around important topics.

Following the general session, small group discussions led by parent volunteers made it possible to have many meaningful conversations about the stories themselves.  It was, without a doubt, a magical night in which the entire South Mountain community celebrated the power of books and reading as a family.  Again and again, as families left for the evening, a variation of the following could be heard from the children: 'What book are we going to read as a family next?'  

Magical, indeed.