By Bonnie Adams, Government Editor
Westborough – The K-3 Family Literacy Night was held at the Hastings Elementary School for the Westborough school district's youngest students Dec. 1. Children from all three of the district's elementary schools were invited – Hastings, Fales and Armstrong.
The event was organized by Curriculum Reference Specialist in Literacy Susan Bardsley and Joanne Fridley, the English language learner coordinator for the district.
At the start of the event, Bardsley welcomed the students and their families.
“It is great to see you all here for this celebration of literacy,” she said. “We are here to celebrate the joys of reading, writing, listening and speaking.”
After a sing-along that featured many of the youngsters up on stage, the kids and their families broke up into smaller groups. The night was arranged so everyone could have a chance to participate in all the events. Activities included readings by the schools” principals, bookmaking, sing-alongs, puppetry and dancing. There were also special centers that highlighted multilingual reading and poetry. Comfortable chairs and futons were set up in the gym so families could sit and read a book together.
One of the highlights of the night was a performance by Diane Edgecomb, an award-winning storyteller. She delighted the kids and their families with a dramatic, but humorous rendition of the classic tale, “Snow White and Rose Red.”
One mother, Lihua Yang, who attended with her son, Joshua, 8, said she felt the night was successful on many levels.
“It is fun,” she said, “but all these things also help encourage him to read more.”
Daniel Youseff, 8, was with his parents, Mary and Ihab.
“I made a book about poems and colors,” Daniel said. “I also was one of the singers [in the sing-along], too.”
“He's had a great time tonight and is very proud of his work,” his mother added.
Leigh Becker has been Hastings’ principal since September. “As the new principal in the district, this was my first opportunity to participate in Family Literacy Night,” she said. “I thought it was a great way for families from all three elementary schools to celebrate reading together. It helped children and their families to experience how fun and engaging reading and writing can be.”
“I also loved reading to the children and getting to know their families in an upbeat social atmosphere,” she added. “I especially enjoyed seeing how excited the children were to participate in the various centers, and share their discoveries with their families and each other.”