‘The Wild Robot’ book marks end of March is Reading Month
DRYDEN —All things robot took center stage as Dryden Elementary School students rounded out ‘March is Reading Month.’
For the third year, students and staff participated in the ‘One School, One Book’ initiative.
Each student—from begindergarten through sixth grade, received a copy of The Wild Robot by Peter Brown, says Deanna Knox, certified library media specialist at Dryden Elementary School.
Dryden Elementary School students learned all about robots and robotics as they concluded March is Reading Month with the One School, One Book initiative featuring ‘The Wild Robot’ book.
Students also received a reading calendar that included nightly chapter readings, trivia questions with prizes, dress-up days, and a Read-a-Round where students traveled to a different teacher’s classroom for a read-aloud, Knox says.
“New to the festivities this year was the Build Your Own Robot family project which resulted in an amazing 45 entries on display in the hallway and media center,” Knox adds.
Family Literacy Night brought another opportunity for families to participate in and enjoy reading together.
Four stations of activities tailored around The Wild Robot book were set up, including Coding with Ozobots, Book Walk, Reading in the Wild, and literacy games.
“Beloved storybook character Biscuit and the Dryden Cardinal mascot made an appearance at the event and were excited to be included in all of the selfies,” Knox says.
Throughout the month of March students were able to work with Ozobots, Spheros, and Keva Planks in their classrooms thanks to the REMC14 that provided these technological devices, Knox adds.
At the March Reading Month closing assembly, ‘The Fighting Pi’ robotics team from Armada, led by Dryden teacher Karen Roys’ husband Craig, brought its robot ‘Diego.’ The team explained the building process, and showcased the variety of tasks the robot can perform.
“Students were thrilled to see that Diego could grab and throw basketballs,” Knox says.
The March is Reading Month events were enjoyed by all, she adds.
“This year’s Dryden One School, One Book initiative was the best one yet,” Knox says. “Plans are already underway to select the March 2024 book title.”
Catherine Minolli is Managing Editor of the Tri-City Times. She began as a freelance writer with the Times in 1994. She enjoys the country life, including raising ducks and chickens.
