They stepped off the buses one by one.
Fancy Nancy, Flat Stanley, Super Duck and Olivia the Pig.
Spiderman, Batman, Clifford the Dog and Pete the Cat.
Thing 1, two Minions and a Hungry Caterpillar.
Along with capes, gowns, face paint and felt ears, the characters carried backpacks and lunchboxes. They had a full school day ahead of them after all.
Dressing up as book characters is only one of the many ways Creeds Elementary School students and staff are celebrating Reading Month throughout January with the rest of the school division.
However, amid the spirit days and other special events, what is on everyone’s minds is the fate a pig named Wilbur and the work of a spider named Charlotte.
That’s because everyone at Creeds is reading Charlotte’s Web by E.B. White as part of a One Book for One School program organized by Creeds reading specialist Jennifer Haws.
And by “everyone” Creeds principal Casey Conger will tell you it involves everyone.
Bus drivers are reading Charlotte’s Web. The school counselor is reading it. Office staff, cafeteria staff, teacher assistants and specialists are reading it. Every class is reading a chapter together at school daily, and families are invited to reread at home at night. The Creeds PTA purchased a copy of the book for every student and staff member with extra copies for guest readers and other school visitors.
“We wanted to create dialogue around a single text,” said Conger.
It’s working.
Ask second-graders in Mrs. Harris’ class if they are reading outside of school, and you’ll hear about family book clubs.
I have one brother here, and we read the book before we go to bed and then on the bus.
I have an older sister and we tell each other what we think is going to happen next.
My brother and I tell each other what was our favorite part of the chapter.
I have a twin sister and last night we talked about how they might kill Wilbur.
Saving Wilbur was the topic of discussion for Harris and her students after they finished Chapter 11 while reading together in the school’s makeshift barn. Art teacher Sharon Bivens transformed a stairwell into a barn during the winter break — complete with a web, pen for Wilbur, horse stables and bales of hay.
From a plush reading chair next to a lamp, Harris asks students about Charlotte’s first message in her web, “Some Pig,” and whether or not it will make Wilbur’s caretakers think they have an extraordinary pig.
“How many of you think Charlotte’s plan is working and why?” asked Harris.
“Yes, it’s working! They think he’s special,” answered one student. His classmates agree.
The students also have predictions for what may happen in Chapter 12 and beyond.
I think Charlotte is going to weave more words in the web.
I think there will be a pig festival.
I think they’re not going to kill Wilbur.
Harris observes that her students are not the only ones excited about reading.
“I walk down the hallways and hear groups of students talking about the book, discussing the characters, or predicting what’s going to happen,” she said. “Reading in Wilbur’s barn has become my class’s favorite part of every day! We bring our books, our blankets, and our anticipation for what’s going to happen next.”
Haws notes that student posters throughout the school and daily reminders help to keep everyone on the same page — literally.
“Our morning announcements remind everyone which chapter is being read that day and ask a guiding question so there is a purpose for the reading.”
Haws adds that the shared reading is only one aspect, and the book offers many opportunities for learning.
“Our fifth-graders are practicing research now, so they are using E.B. White as the subject of their research. Then they are going to present their work in teams to the other grade levels so everyone can learn,” explained Haws.
“In fourth and fifth grade, they are creating Kahoot! challenges and making questions about the book. They are going back and forth to try to stump each other,” she said.
Harris cannot hide her enthusiasm for the schoolwide reading initiative.
“This is such a great way to promote unity and create a positive learning environment throughout our school,” she said. “Yay for Reading Month and Charlotte’s Web!”
This is wonderful