Encouraging Literacy By Sharing Stories

We are an AACPS: Volunteer Program, Waugh Chapel Elementary School

AACPS believes strongly in our driving value of preparing students for college, career, and community. Within that value is the belief that we are committed to readying our students to become literate.

One way to encourage literacy is by sharing stories with children. Many schools have guest reader programs. Waugh Chapel Elementary decided to enhance this program by implementing Mystery Reader Days. Volunteers signed up to guest read, but these readers were not announced to the classes. This mystery increased the level of excitement about the guest readers. Often, children would be found sneaking to their classroom doors to peek out to see if they could recognize someone coming down the hallway. This program not only promoted reading, but it was also an opportunity for family members to volunteer in each classroom from Prekindergarten to fifth grade.

The Mystery Reader Program was recognized at the 2018 Volunteer Breakfast as an Exemplary Volunteer Program for providing support to student literacy.