Brighton Methodist School took its “Hats Off to Reading” on Wednesday, January 28, 2009, as they climaxed their week of literacy at the school.{{more}}

The school held its second annual Interhouse Reading Extravaganza, a weekly event that encourages friendly competiton and teaches language arts essentials, such as writing, reading, speaking, listening and viewing. The theme for the extravaganza was “Hats Off to Reading.”

Speaking at the closing ceremony Head Teacher, Mrs. Laverne Warrican, urged the students to read, as it helps them in every aspect of life. She also encouraged them to share reading material with others, to be knowledgeable of the types of books they like to read and to recommend those books to their friends.

Similar remarks were made by Education Officer for Literacy, Kay Martin Jack, who encouraged the children to make reading and education their first priority. “Reading is the best gift we can give to ourselves,” she said. She also emphasized the importance of books to children.

“There is no substitute for books in the life of a child,” she said.

Margo Bradshaw, Vice-President of the Parent Teacher Association (PTA), also expressed the need for parents to read along with children to make reading interesting for them. There are also plans to extend Literacy classes to parents who may not be able to read because these persons cannot help their children.

The Literacy week, which began on Thursday, January 22, 2009, featured spelling competition, Public Speaking and Phonetic Awareness. The extravaganza saw all classes from Grade K to Grade 6 taking part in different competitions.

The closing ceremony dubbed “Hats Off to Reading, Celebrating the Gifts” began with a march from the school grounds into the hall where the ceremony was held. The students were then entertained with dance, poetry, story telling and Spanish songs, while wearing hats they made themselves.(OS)