mystery readers rock
An empty chair ... a guessing game of fun
Ann Marie Friscia’s third-grade class was gathered on the carpet in the Meadow Pond library, looking at the empty chair in front. Who would be their mystery reader? Would it be a parent? There were none in sight.
They asked the district Communications Specialist, who happened to be there, if she was the mystery reader. “No, but that would be fun,” said Lenore Person. Just then the library door swung open.
“Mrs. Hoaglund!!” the students said. “Are you our mystery reader?” Several hopped up to hug her—she was their teacher last year!
“Yes!” said Hoaglund. “It’s so good to see you!"
Surprise!
Books are for sharing
Mystery Readers are a big part of PARP. Teachers and school librarians at Increase Miller, Meadow Pond and Katonah Elementary Schools incorporated surprise guest readers about twice a week during March. This year, most Mystery Readers were parents— a sweet gift for both the students and the readers. Inviting family members adds excitement in a personal way and builds on the theme of PARP—that books are for sharing.
“Reading with someone is one of the best ways to promote a love of reading in children,” said Meadow Pond Librarian Nick Grasso.
Enjoying a story, together
The element of mystery adds to the fun
“Here’s a book I love that I know we didn’t read last year,” said Hoaglund. She sat down and opened “My Kicks: A Sneaker Story!” by Susan Verde.
Before she started reading, Hoaglund wiggled one of her squeaky-clean sneakers. Within seconds, the whole class was showing off their kicks, getting into the spirit of a story about a child who is very attached to his sneakers and how he learned to let go.
While some teachers incorporate clues into the mystery—making the event into a real guessing game, and other classes read along a theme such as Women’s History Month, everyone agrees that students LOVE mystery readers!