Children Celebrate Reading With Pajamas, Stories and Creativity

Story time, snacks, crafts and pajamas - the perfect kid-friendly reading celebration.

In honor of National Library Week, about 40 children met at the (RFH) library on Wednesday for a “Celebration of Reading” Pajama Party.

“This is a really fun event for the kids,” said Linda Wien Murray, RFH librarian.

Students in grades 1-3 from Deane Porter and Sickles school were invited to attend the celebration. The three schools worked together to make this event possible for the kids.

“I work very closely with the librarians from Sickles and Deane Porter School,” said Murray. “We have become somewhat of a tri-district library.”

This is the second year in a row RFH held this event. Last year, the celebration was a success. Being a fun way for the kids to celebrate National Library Week, RFH held the event again this year with a new theme and hopes for a larger turnout.

Dressed in their comfy pajamas while snacking on pretzels, the children sat in groups and listened to volunteers read stories. The youngest volunteer was Sara Safarian, a 5th grade student from Knollwood School. Safarian read stories to a group of children who were huddled around her on the floor.

After story time, the children participated in making a craft. The theme of the craft was “create your own story.” RFH students from the Library Club and National Art Honor Society (NAHS) volunteered to help with the crafts.

“This is a lot of fun,” said from the RFH Library Club. “These kids are so adorable.”

Each child was given a small, blank book to create their own story. Murray encouraged the students to use their creativity and write any kind of story they wish. Along with a blank book, the students were also given a blank book mark to decorate.

The students created all kinds of different stories. “I am making a story about an animal,” said 8-year-old Sophia Memon. “The animal in my story will probably transform into a princess.”

In the spirit of Easter just around the corner, 7-year-old Chapin Memmott made a story about a bunny rabbit. “This story is special because it’s not just about any bunny rabbit,” Memmott said. “It’s about the Easter bunny.”

Some other themes for the children’s stories were ninjas, Indians, pirates, family and even the Civil War. They were provided with markers, crayons, glue and small pictures to decorate their books. The student volunteers helped the kids draw pictures, spell words and come up with ideas.

It was clear that the “Celebration of Reading” was a success. The children had a great time listening to stories, creating their own books and munching on snacks. “This is so much fun,” said first grader Robert Gaupp. “I can’t wait to show my mom the book I made!”