On Saturday, March 1, 2025, the Newtown AYLUS team once again made a difference in the community by organizing a reading session for elementary schoolers. In honor of Dr. Seuss’s birthday on March 2, the 1st and 2nd graders read a selection of his books, including There’s a Wocket in My Pocket, Ten Apples Up on Top, and The Cat in the Hat Comes Back. Meanwhile, the 3rd through 5th graders read the story Stella Endicott and the Anything-Is-Possible Poem by Kate Dicamillo. This initiative aims to foster a love of reading, introduce young readers to great book series, and provide opportunities to strengthen their literacy skills in a supportive and engaging environment.
Four dedicated members worked closely with two small groups of children, patiently guiding them through various reading exercises and storybooks. They encouraged the students to read aloud, assisted with difficult words, and discussed the stories to enhance comprehension. The members also created fun, interactive activities like word games and character role-playing to make the learning process enjoyable and memorable.
The event was a resounding success: the children showed improved confidence, understanding, and enthusiasm for books as the session progressed. Parents expressed their gratitude for the volunteer’s efforts in fostering a love for reading and learning among the students.
Members who participated were Kylee Guo (event leader), Melinda He, Rhianna Zhang, and Zhenyi Zhang. Each contributed 1 hour of their time.