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Dogwood Elementary School first-grade students smile after listening to a story during the Readers are Leaders program Friday. (ALEJANDRO DAVILA Photo / March 24, 2012) |
HEBER — Crime prevention coordinator Paulina Solis considers “Where the Sidewalk Ends” her favorite children’s book because of the beautiful poems and illustrations.
This book was one of the first publications she picked up after finishing her English as a Second Language program in elementary school, she said.
And Solis had the opportunity to share her love for this book Friday during the Readers are Leaders program held at the Dogwood Elementary School.
Firefighters, deputies, U.S. Border Patrol agents and nurses were just some of the community members invited to bring their favorite children’s book and read to students.
“Reading is the key to everything you do in life,” said Principal Dawn Ponce.
This is why she decided to have this program, which aside of encouraging children to read, it also motivates them to become strong leaders, Ponce said.
By 9 a.m., all readers were in the school’s library, browsing for their book of choice and waiting eagerly for the students that would take these volunteers to their pre-assigned classes.
One of those waiting readers was firefighter Jose Herrero.
“This is going to be good for the kids,” he said. Reading certainly helps students achieve their dreams, Herrero said.
A group of students came soon after and one by one took the readers away.
“I’m excited because I like when people read to me,” said Mia Fernandez, 7, while taking a reader to her first grade classroom.
With the reader present, the students in one class shared why they thought reading is important.
“If you read books you get smarter,” Jasmine Martinez, 6, said after she raised her hand.
“Reading makes you learn,” said Ethan Supnet, soon after and then the class quieted down and listened attentively to their reader.
Once the reading ended and children left for recess, some readers gathered in the library once again.
“I’d like to do it again and again and again,” said Christina Lomax, a medical receptionist who got to read to her son’s classroom.
Her son got a little embarrassed, Lomax said with a smile, “but I loved it. It was fun.”
Staff Writer Alejandro Davila can be reached at 760-337-3445 or adavila@ivpressonline.com
This book was one of the first publications she picked up after finishing her English as a Second Language program in elementary school, she said.
And Solis had the opportunity to share her love for this book Friday during the Readers are Leaders program held at the Dogwood Elementary School.
Firefighters, deputies, U.S. Border Patrol agents and nurses were just some of the community members invited to bring their favorite children’s book and read to students.
“Reading is the key to everything you do in life,” said Principal Dawn Ponce.
This is why she decided to have this program, which aside of encouraging children to read, it also motivates them to become strong leaders, Ponce said.
By 9 a.m., all readers were in the school’s library, browsing for their book of choice and waiting eagerly for the students that would take these volunteers to their pre-assigned classes.
One of those waiting readers was firefighter Jose Herrero.
“This is going to be good for the kids,” he said. Reading certainly helps students achieve their dreams, Herrero said.
A group of students came soon after and one by one took the readers away.
“I’m excited because I like when people read to me,” said Mia Fernandez, 7, while taking a reader to her first grade classroom.
With the reader present, the students in one class shared why they thought reading is important.
“If you read books you get smarter,” Jasmine Martinez, 6, said after she raised her hand.
“Reading makes you learn,” said Ethan Supnet, soon after and then the class quieted down and listened attentively to their reader.
Once the reading ended and children left for recess, some readers gathered in the library once again.
“I’d like to do it again and again and again,” said Christina Lomax, a medical receptionist who got to read to her son’s classroom.
Her son got a little embarrassed, Lomax said with a smile, “but I loved it. It was fun.”
Staff Writer Alejandro Davila can be reached at 760-337-3445 or adavila@ivpressonline.com
