In conjunction with Read Across America Week and Pick A Reading Partner (PARP), students at Willow Road Elementary School in Valley Stream Union Free School District Thirteen participated in a variety of literacy activities to further develop their reading and writing skills.
Michelle Lepe and Lisa Roberti’s 4th grade class started their own “March Madness – Tournament of Books”! Students selected 16 books that focused on social emotional learning and diversity. Students will vote for their favorites until the books are narrowed down to a final four and finally the ultimate champion. Students have already made their predictions and are excited to see which book comes out on top.
Digital libraries were also created focusing on the spirit days of Read Across America Week. Each day during their morning work, students selected a book to read. After reading the story, they rated it, stated how the story fit with that particular day’s theme and whether or not they would recommend the story to a friend.
Students in Ms. Mitchell and Mrs. Wahl’s Kindergarten class practiced listening to directions and paying attention to detail while creating directed drawings of “Thing 1” and “Thing 2.” This was an engaging way to celebrate reading and to learn how important it is to stay on task and follow detailed directions to create a beautiful final product.
The National Education Association (NEA)’s Read Across America is the nation’s largest celebration of reading. This year-round program directly aligns with Valley Stream Union Free School District Thirteen’s focus on promoting inclusivity and motivating children to read through events, partnerships, and reading resources that are about everyone, for everyone.

Mrs. Lepe and her students show off their brand new books for Read Across America Week provided by the Willow Road PTA.