Posted on Mar 04, 2021
Posted by: Struthers Elementary
Author and Illustrator Henry Cole shares his journey to becoming a published children's book author and illustrator with Struthers Elementary Students during a Google Meet on Monday, March 1.
Students at Struthers Elementary School have been practicing their reading skills and celebrating literacy.
Elementary students kicked off Right to Read Week on Monday with a guest author/illustrator meeting each grade in a virtual meeting. Henry Cole, author of more than 15 books and illustrator to dozens more, brought a contagious energy to virtual meetings with students from kindergarten through fourth grade. He shared how he fell in love with drawing, talked about the first story line he created in school, and showed his skills in action. Cole listened to questions from students and shared his knowledge, experience, and even a sneak peek at his artwork for an upcoming release.
“Each year, during Right to Read Week, we have had the great opportunity to bring in an author or an illustrator to speak with our students about what they do,” says Sandi Horvath, Literacy Coordinator for Struthers City Schools. “Teachers spend a week or so before the event reading the books these folks have written and illustrated and discussing them with their students. The children - and staff, too! - get really excited to be able to meet, ask questions of, and find out about these authors. It’s a great way to kick off Right to Read Week, fueling an enthusiasm for books and reading along the way.”
The annual Read-a-Thon concluded in February, with nearly 200 students reaching or exceeding their reading goals during the program. Each student who met the reading goals established for their grade level will receive a gift certificate for a Chick-fil-A kid’s meal or chicken sandwich during Right to Read Week (March 1-5, 2021). The Chick-fil-A rewards have been generously provided by the local Chick-fil-A and its manager, Shelly LaBerto.
Students who met their reading goals will also be entered into a drawing for a set of wireless devices (including a pair of headphones and a mouse). Two sets of wireless devices will be given away in each grade level.
“The students and staff of Struthers Elementary School want to extend our deep thanks and appreciation to Shelly LaBerto and the folks at Chick-fil-A for their generous donation,” says Horvath. “The students were especially excited to work towards their reading goals this year! In addition, I thank all the families for their support of the Read-A-Thon and hope that they continue to set aside time for reading at home every day.”