First-graders 'Fall in Love with Reading' at Prairie Elementary

• Reading to mom

Lilly Mahlberg (right) is shown reading to her mother, Anna, during Fall in Love with Reading Day at Prairie Elementary.

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WORTHINGTON — “Fall in Love with Reading” was definitely a fun Friday for first-graders at Prairie Elementary, with their books in one hand, snacks in the other and their parents sitting by them, listening intently to them read.

“Fall in Love with Reading” is one of the two annual reading events organized for children to “show off” their reading skills and for parents see the progress they are making, said first-grade teacher Denise Schlichte.

First-graders read books based on their reading levels, which are determined by teachers.

“We spend a lot of time listening to children read in small groups,” Schlichte said. “We make that determination when we think that they’re ready for more of a challenge.”

“They always get really excited when I tell them they can move up a level,” teacher Julie Ailts added.

First-grader Lilly Mahlberg was eager to read three books to her mom, Anna Mahlberg.

“Caterpillars eat pumpkins,” Lilly said about what she learned from her favorite book, “The Classroom Caterpillar.”

“It’s appropriate,” Anna said, especially with Halloween festivities coming up.

As the oldest among three siblings, Lilly said she enjoys reading to her brother and sister.

“Reading is a big part of first grade because it’s the year when it really starts to make sense to them,” Schlichte said. “They develop a love for reading, and they become more independent with books.”

To help students master their reading skills, teachers use several strategies, including the Beanie Baby strategies.

The Chunky Monkey Beanie, for example, indicates to students that they need to “chunk” the words out.

Planning this round of “Fall in Love with Reading” were teachers Julie Ailts, Dawn Teerink, Denise Schlichte, Julie Ebbers and Becky Duehne.

Tags: district 518, prairie elementary, news, education