Book fair and literacy night focuses on positivity

Providence Elementary’s Book Fair and Literacy Night featured author Leland Clelland, who read from his book, “I Am…Building a Positive Mindset for Kids!” Students Eleanor and Cole Talk helped Clelland bring the story to life.

Providence Elementary students met a chameleon named Kylo during the school’s Book Fair and Literacy Night March 24.

Children’s author Leland Clelland brought the friendly reptile to life while reading from his book, “I Am…Building a Positive Mindset for Kids!”

Students repeated after him as he turned the pages.

“I am strong!” “I am smart!” “I am a leader!” they chanted.

Clelland took them on an adventure with Kylo. The curious chameleon changed colors and learned all kinds of things about himself while exploring new places and meeting new friends.

The featured author is an Old Dominion University graduate, former educator and father to three young boys.

The theme of Clelland’s motivational children’s book – encouraging a positive mindset and social-emotional awareness – transcended the evening.

Art teacher Shannon Coleman hosted a rock-painting activity. “Write something that makes you feel joy,” she told the students.

Rocks and a list of suggested positive affirmations, such as “silly,” “happy” and “respectful,” were provided.

Olivia Grace Willey painted two rocks, including one featuring the word “love.” Students were invited to paint rocks with positive affirmations and either take them home or leave behind for the school’s outdoor learning garden.

First grader Olivia Grace Willey painted “love” on a rock and was undecided about taking it home or leaving it behind for the school’s outdoor learning garden.

Sarah Willey said her daughter is doing “extremely well” in school and has improved in reading skills thanks to a compassionate, patient teacher who “goes above and beyond.”

She’s proud of her 7-year-old. “We read every night,” she said.

Willey applauded the literacy event for engaging families in positive experiences.

“I’m so impressed with the school and the PTA,” she said.

Attendees also had the chance to print three-dimensional bookmarks and write positive messages on them.

The annual book fair took place simultaneously in the library. Students and their families shopped for books, posters and more.

First grader Andrew Peoples chose several items, including a book featuring Pokémon. His mother Sinclaire Salkey said they attended the event in part to encourage her son to read.

Andrew said he likes to read. “I’m working on long ‘a’ sounds,” he said.

Library media specialist Erin Berens said promoting literacy is important.

Providence Elementary library media specialist Erin Berens was very busy during the school’s annual Book Fair and Literacy Night. Many students and their families attended, including Tiffany and David Brown and their children Levi and Barrett.

The family-focused evening created excitement about reading, she said. “When we host events like the book fair, we are not just offering books but investing in our students’ identities as readers.”

Proceeds from the annual book fair allow her to purchase a book for every student and staff member through the “One School, One Book” program.

Principal Michael Taylor said meeting an author helped students see themselves as readers and creators, while the book fair sparked enthusiasm for picking books that suit their interests.

“Together, these moments strengthen our school community and reinforce our belief that literacy is not just a skill, but a lifelong passion worth celebrating,” he said.