Dave Kellom and his son Luc, 6, laugh while reading a book about snakes during the Roaring Readers program at Spring Creek Elementary.
Students at Spring Creek Elementary spent a night reading with their parents as part of the Roaring Reading program that promotes reading among families.
The program, which was started years ago, brings parents and children together once a month and the children read in groups, individually and out loud.
“The parents absolutely love it just as much as the kids. It’s their chance to come out spend time with their kids and read,” said Karen Leonardi, the principal at Spring Creek Elementary. “This teaches them a love for reading and literature.”
Keeping that connection with reading is why the school created the program and work to keep the program fresh every month by adding new activities for kids and parents.
In the last year, the school has added a younger readers program in which kids read a book and create an arts or crafts project related to the book.
“We have to do something for the little ones because many of our students have younger siblings and we want to have something for them too,” said Kimberly Donnelly, the media specialist who organizes the program and creates a theme for each month.
Students enjoyed a “wild about books” theme this month by reading about animals and having several items about wild animals spread throughout the media center.
“This is my first time coming to this because my wife normally brings him but it’s really good,” said Dave Kellom, about his six-year-old Luc. He spent time looking at a picture book about snakes with his son who created sound effects as he pointed at pictures.
Program organizers have also added a component for parents to attend while their children listen to stories out loud.
The “Families Building Better Readers” is an informational session in which parents are taught reading strategies and ways to spend time reading with their kids.
“We come every time because we both love to read. We go to the library a lot and get a big ol’ bag of books,” said Barbara Esch, of Bonita Springs. She accompanied her nine-year-old granddaughter Olivia Lynn.
Some parents are even encouraged to volunteer their time to read out loud to students in English and in Spanish.
“I bring both my girls and we come every month. It’s very enjoyable,” said Arturo Simon, 34, of Bonita Springs. “She reads in English and Spanish every night.”
And, that’s what organizers want students to do.
“Having them reading in both languages is good, it teachers them an appreciation for other cultures,” said Leonardi about the program that draws about 130 parents and students.
The next roaring readers program is scheduled for Dec. 11 at the Barnes and Noble at Coconut Point in Estero.
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