KGUN9 recently visited Nash Elementary School in Midtown, where the ‘If You Give a Child a Book’ campaign has brought excitement and empowerment to Ms. Annabelle Fine’s 3rd-grade class. Thanks to generous donors and community support, the students have the opportunity to explore new worlds and dive into captivating stories through the Scholastic Book Fair.

Diverse Choices for Young Minds

Pablo Martínez, a student in Ms. Fine’s class, proudly displayed his collection of four new books. Among them was a book about sports and famous athletes, reflecting his diverse interests. However, his preference for scary stories showcased a personal favorite genre.

Expressing his enthusiasm, Pablo shared, “I like scary movies! My mom doesn’t, though. (I’m like) ‘Mom! You want to watch a scary movie?’ She’s like, ‘No.'” For students like Pablo, the abundance of choices holds significant value. Ms. Fine emphasized the importance of the third grade, marking a crucial stage in students’ education where they transition from learning to read to reading to learn.

Guided Recommendations for a Personalized Experience

To navigate the plethora of titles available, Ms. Fine took the initiative to provide each student with a personal recommendation. She explained, “I kind of showed them a little bit, to guide them because I wanted to make sure that they could see that, because I know all of what they love. To see those eyes light up, it was so cool.”

Principal’s Perspective: The Power of Choice

Jessica Jarrett, the principal of Nash Elementary, highlighted the transformative impact of allowing students to choose their reading materials. Drawing from her own experience, she shared, “When we give them the opportunity to have that choice, it empowers them.”

Reflecting on her discovery of Roald Dahl’s ‘Matilda,’ Jarrett emphasized the profound connection that can occur when a student finds a story that resonates with them. This empowerment, she noted, is a recurring theme among children when given the freedom to choose.

Expanding Horizons with Community Support

The Scripps-Howard Fund’s support to the campaign has enabled Nash Elementary School to offer an even broader selection of genres and titles. Jessica Jarrett revealed that, with the funds raised, students will have the opportunity to pick a total of eight new books. The remaining four selections will take place during the next book fair in May, just before the summer break.

Fostering a Lifelong Love for Reading

The commitment of donors, community support, and educators at Nash Elementary School exemplifies the dedication to fostering a lifelong love for reading among young students. The ‘If You Give a Child a Book’ campaign not only provides access to books but also empowers students to make choices that can shape their educational journey. As the school looks forward to the next book fair, the anticipation of further enriching the reading experiences of these young minds continues to grow.