Last Thursday, I had the opportunity to read to a group of 1st graders. Mrs. Roemer was kind enough to ask if I would read to her class during Dr. Seuss Week. Of course, I accepted the offer. I would never pass up an opportunity to mingle with the students at C.E.S. My daughter is in second grade and I have coached basketball, softball and soccer teams for the past three years that many of these students have played on. My favorite part about walking the halls of C.E.S. is hearing someone say "Hi, Coach Curry." It is nice to know that you have had a small part in the development, whether it be academically, athletically, or socially, of many students at that level. Anyway, back to the story of Thursday. My day was as hectic as ever. I was scheduled to read at 1:30pm. I was kept busy by a few visitors - until 1:15pm. As I hurried to my vehicle, I couldn't find my keys??? I realized, when I tried to get into the vehicle, exactly where they were......locked inside. With little time to spare, I ran back into the building, found Coach Jay Heriford, got his keys and drove his truck to Cantrall. I arrived right at 1:30pm. Mrs. Roemer, the quick-thinker she is, had used the time for bathroom breaks. As the kids began coming back in the classroom, I realized that this group included my neighbor, Rachel, and several other kids I had coached over the past three years. I took my seat in the chair on the reading rug. The students all gathered around and asked 8 million questions about 8 million different topics! :) After answering all the questions posed, I introduced my favorite beginning reader book -
I Will Teach My Dog 100 Words. This has been my favorite ever since I first read it to my children. If you have never read it and have a reason to read this level of book, I highly recommend it. I also read
Go Dog Go!. Both of these books are from the same genre as Dr. Seuss. The kids were very attentive, considering I was taking up part of their recess time:) They were great active listeners during the 1st book. For
Go Dog Go!, they would finish each page for me (in unison) - they must have all read that one before. After each book, I answered a few questions. When I finished the second book, I received numerous high-fives and hugs and then they all ran off to line-up for recess. They thanked me as they bounced around in line waiting for Mrs. Roemer to OK their departure for recess. In the end, it was a great ending to the day. I want to thank Mrs, Roemer for the opportunity. I should also thank Coach Heriford for the keys to his truck! Of course, because I was already in the building, I did take the opportunity to poke my head into the computer class to say "hi" to my favorite Cantrall Elementary Student - Emma Curry.
