Landstown Middle students from the Knight’s Thoughts section of Lancer Times recently celebrated Read Across America by visiting Landstown Elementary School, where they read books to students in kindergarten, first grade and second grade. Middle school students enjoyed the opportunity to engage with younger learners and share their love of reading.
Many of the Lancer Times students said it was rewarding to see how excited the elementary students were about books and storytelling. The younger students listened closely, asked thoughtful questions and eagerly followed along with the stories. The visit provided a meaningful opportunity for the middle school students to serve as role models while encouraging a love of literacy among younger readers.
In addition to participating in Read Across America, students working in the Halls of Landstown section of Lancer Times conducted interviews with Stephanie Peek, the school librarian, and Alexis Garland, the assistant librarian. The interviews are part of a larger writing project in which students are developing a comparative analysis of library use and resources in elementary, middle and high school.
Through their interviews and research, students are learning how libraries support student learning, literacy development and access to important academic resources. The experience of reading with elementary students also gave the student journalists a valuable perspective as they continue exploring how literacy and library resources support students throughout their academic journey.
Joan P. Brown is the school administrative associate and school media liaison at Landstown Middle.
