Making reading a family affair: Morrison welcomes participation

By Janice M. Howard / Style Editor for the Southern Standard

Kim Hopkins, left, and Colby Hopkins delve into the story as they share a book at Morrison School’s first Family Reading Night under way in the library. The next reading session is scheduled April 8. (Photos provided)

Students and their families gathered recently at the Morrison School Library to share some special reading time. Parents, grandparents and siblings were among those selecting books, talking about what they read and showing their understanding through computerized reading quizzes.

The key is having fun and spending quality time together as a family in an activity that promotes good reading habits.

“Family Reading Nights like this one are catching on throughout the country,” said Melody Woods, Morrison’s school librarian. “In our rush-rush society, it’s important that busy parents and busy children take time for an activity that is fun and promotes togetherness. Practicing reading skills definitely qualifies.”

Another exciting aspect of Family Reading Night is the use of reading management software, Accelerated Reader. During the school day, students at Morrison use the program to prove their comprehension of books read and quizzes passed translate to reading points earned. Now, other family members are getting in on the fun. Friendly competition between students is evident, because they may use their earned points to play games at the Accelerated Reader carnivals scheduled three times a year.

Several Beta Club members assisted the students and parents in locating books and taking AR tests on the computer.

Jill Stubblefield, kindergarten teacher, and Judith Sullivan, second-grade teacher, proposed Family Reading Night to school administrator Ronnie Brown, who was quick to see the advantages of the program. Stubblefield and Sullivan are very aware of the importance of reading and wanted to involve the whole school community.

“We were supported in our efforts by businesses from the Morrison community and beyond,” said Sullivan. “They readily agreed to provide door prizes to encourage students and adults to attend this first Family Reading Night.”

“The event was an even bigger success than we had anticipated, with 122 in attendance – including students, parents, grandparents, siblings, aunts and teachers. We have heard so many positive comments and have enthusiastically decided to make this a monthly event.”

The next Family Reading Night at Morrison School will be held April 8. For more information, contact Sullivan or Stubblefield at the school or talk with personnel in the school office.