Rocking Chairs Draw Crowd of Readers at Brougham

Dec. 6, 2011 ~ More than 40 district staff and community patrons picked up a book, sat down and rocked away as part of Brougham Elementary's third annual Rock & Read Day.

"We had readers from 7:45 a.m. to 3:45 p.m. that day," said Library Media Specialist Janet Barnett. "Many readers wish they could sit and read for longer periods of time."

Rock & Read is designed to encourage students to read more because they see guest readers from all walks of life enjoying a good book in the school lobby.

"We set up rocking chairs in our main entryway, and the adults rotate in and out, spending 15 to 30 minutes reading," said Library Clerk Kathy Killilea. "As our students walk by to go to lunch, gym, etc. they can see adults as reading role models."

This year involved district employees, military veterans, postal and health care workers, and student leaders from Frontier Trail Middle School.

"Our guest readers represent a variety of walks of life that students are familiar with," Barnett said. "Our mascot even enjoyed reading several times throughout the day."

Barnett tries to coordinate Rock & Read with American Education Week, which occurs in mid-November. She said the goal is to show students that reading is a lifelong activity, not just something they are expected to do in school.

"Guest readers like to see the students' expressions of awe as they pass by to lunch or special classes," Barnett said.

	Parent Brent Upton and fourth-grade teacher Kelli Feikert took a few minutes from their busy schedules to participate in Rock & Read.
	District library staff Mary Ellen Grant and Carol Bridges showed how much they enjoy reading by rocking in Brougham’s lobby. Submitted photos