Literacy Day Inspires Children Through Reading and Activities

Celebrating Literacy Day with Young Readers

More than 200 enthusiastic elementary school students gathered to embrace the joy of reading in a vibrant and engaging setting. The Barbara Bush Foundation for Family Literacy and the Ann Norton Sculpture Gardens partnered to co-host this exciting event. With popular children’s authors and entertainers present, students participated in a day filled with learning and creativity.

A Day Full of Inspiration

“Developing a love of reading can open up a world of possibility for children, setting them up to be lifelong learners,” said Andrew Roberts, President of the Barbara Bush Foundation. “We're thrilled to partner with the Ann Norton Sculpture Gardens for this incredible event, which we know will leave a lasting mark on participating children and their families.”

The shared mission of Literacy Day is to inspire every student to embrace the journey of becoming a lifelong reader. Frances Fisher, Board Chairwoman for the Ann Norton Sculpture Gardens, expressed appreciation for the collaboration with the Foundation. She noted, “Through our partnership, we’ve elevated our interactive and educational program featuring nationally recognized authors and presenters. We look forward to discovering new ways to engage students and foster their love for reading.”

A Variety of Engaging Activities

Students from kindergarten through third grade representing various local Title I schools enjoyed hands-on experiences with children’s authors, artists, entertainers, and storytellers. Notable authors including Beth Ferry, known for her bestsellers, and Deepa Iyer, a noted strategist and lawyer, brought their stories to life, making the event unforgettable.

Beth Ferry shared her reflections, stating, “Reading 'Prunella,' a book about a girl with a passion for unique plants, at the Ann Norton Sculpture Gardens was a magical experience. The children were eager and involved as we connected the book's themes to their surroundings. Dancing like plants added a delightful twist, showcasing how to infuse fun with learning through books.”

Deepa Iyer added, “I felt honored to be part of Literacy Day. Engaging with young minds about community service and answering their thoughtful questions about writing and activism was rewarding. Being surrounded by the beautiful gardens and art of Ann Norton made it a truly special experience.”

Promoting Health and Wellness

Contributing to the day, the Colgate Bright Smiles, Bright Futures® (BSBF) program offered educational activities, books, and dental hygiene kits to the children. This program, operational since 1991, aims to spread oral health education and free dental screenings globally. Robert Wilson, Senior Vice President of Professional Engagement and Public Health at Colgate-Palmolive Company, emphasized the importance of teaching children to understand health from an early age. He remarked, “It is essential for future success that children learn to make informed decisions about their health. Our program empowers families for a lifetime of health and wellbeing.”

Additionally, participating students received copies of “Prunella” and “We Are the Builders!” owing to generous donations from Simon & Schuster, reinforcing the Foundation's commitment to promoting literacy.

About the Barbara Bush Foundation for Family Literacy

Founded in 1989 by former First Lady Barbara Bush, the Barbara Bush Foundation for Family Literacy has been a pioneer in advocating for family literacy for over three decades. The Foundation’s mission revolves around providing resources, high-quality education initiatives, and research to empower families and communities through literacy. Their notable programs have positively impacted countless lives across the nation.

About the Ann Norton Sculpture Gardens

Established in 1977, the Ann Norton Sculpture Gardens stands as a vibrant non-profit foundation dedicated to art and nature. The gardens encompass a historic house, an artist studio, and a diverse array of tropical plants, including many rare species. Their mission is to enhance lives through art and nature, creating a rich environment for visitors and students alike.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Literacy Day?

Literacy Day is an annual event designed to inspire and promote a love for reading among children, featuring interactive programs with authors and entertainers.

Who organized the 17th Annual Literacy Day?

The event was organized by the Barbara Bush Foundation for Family Literacy in partnership with the Ann Norton Sculpture Gardens.

How many students participated in this year's event?

Over 200 students from local Title I schools participated in Literacy Day activities aimed at engaging them in reading.

What activities occurred during the event?

Students engaged with authors, participated in storytelling sessions, and enjoyed interactive activities that connected reading with fun.

How does the Barbara Bush Foundation support literacy?

The Barbara Bush Foundation provides high-quality programs and resources to help families improve their literacy skills and engage communities in reading initiatives.

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