School adopts picnic style for reading day celebration

It is said that a little child shall lead them, and that was the reality on Read Across Jamaica Day on Tuesday at the Harrison's Preparatory School in St Catherine.

The occasion saw Eden Emanuel Williams, a grade five student, doing the first reading for her peers and others who turned out. But she wasn't reading just any book. Eden read a copy of her book The Little Girls and The Woods, which was well received. Her mother Shantol Boothe described her daughter's achievement as well deserved.

"She started to write at age six and has written three books, one of which have been published," Boothe said. "Eden is expressive and creative. Overall, she is a good child who is dedicated to her lessons," Boothe said.

The students and teachers transformed the school into a picnic-style setting for the reading day activities. Coordinator/teacher Amoy Levers said that it was a collective effort to have the students read, entertain and wear clothing that depicted edifying words and images.

"We chose the picnic method, which enabled the students to be at ease while we embarked on the reading marathon," Levers said. "It is important to embrace a culture of reading. So, the administration, teachers, parents and well-wishers have formed a part of the planning."

There was also corporate responsibility at play, with Tru Juice and Nestle on board with tokens ,which sweetened the efforts of day's activities.