Palmerton Area School District’s elementary schools have been marking Read Across America Week with a variety of activities including guest readers.

Fifth and sixth grade students at Towamensing Elementary School were treated to a variety of “book tastings.”

Teachers, counselors, and administrators served as guest readers for the book tastings.

According to staff members Kathryn Malay and Stacey Behler, students rotated to several cafeteria tables to receive each tasting. During each tasting, students heard about 8-10 minutes of each guest reader’s book.

On their “menu,” students wrote down their impression of the book. If it was a book they enjoyed, the students were then encouraged to get the book from the library so that they could read it in its entirety.

Kindergarten and first grade classes listened to the story “Swashby and the Sea,” and then created starfish rubbings that were shared on bulletin boards in the school. Second grade students heard the “Starfish Wish” poem, and then wrote about their own wishes. After listening to the poem, third and fourth graders wrote wishes for residents of the Palmer House.

Read Across America Week, an annual event celebrated in schools across the United States, originated from a single day celebration known as Read Across America Day. This day was established by the National Education Association in 1998 to coincide with the birthday of beloved children’s author Dr. Seuss, aiming to promote literacy and a love for reading among children and adults alike.

S.S. Palmer and Parkside Education Center Principal Ralph Andrews said each building hosted spirit week activities including “Reading is a Super Power” dress like a superhero or community hero, and “Oh, The Places You’ll Go” wear a T-shirt from your favorite place.

“Parkside students heard extra books during Read Across America week, from their teachers as well as exciting guest readers,” Andrews said. “At Parkside, we also played school-wide “Book Bingo” throughout the week. At Palmer, we hosted a tournament of books, book swaps, escape rooms, and a reading challenge.”