Methodist University hosted a special author assembly at the school as a part of the University’s “Love of Literacy” initiative, which is partially funded by the Honor Society of Phi Kappa Phi.
There was no shortage of lively laughter and jubilant smiles inside the gymnasium of Margaret Willis Elementary School on Tuesday.
Methodist University hosted a special author assembly at the school as a part of the University’s “Love of Literacy” initiative, which is partially funded by the Honor Society of Phi Kappa Phi.
“Since I’m a Methodist University alumna, the partnership between the University and Margaret Willis Elementary means a lot personally and professionally.” said Dr. Kasey Weaver ’92, principal at Margaret Willis Elementary School. “I want our children to learn to love reading. It’s not just about teaching our children how to read, but how to love reading.”
In two separate assemblies, more than 300 young students filled the elementary school’s gym to learn from Aniesha Jackson, a North Carolina-based Black author whose children’s books focus on diversity and social emotional learning.
During the event, Jackson led a reading of her book “Queen Kia’s 8-Step Guide to Friendships” – the story of a young “know-it-all” girl who learns how to make friends, how to be a good friend, and how to choose friends wisely. It was more than a book-reading event as Jackson also engaged the children with songs, puppet skits and a game of friendship bingo.
“Methodist University is a proud program that cares deeply about literacy,” said MU President Stanley T. Wearden. “We’re heading this program because we care about the community and care about making higher education possible for all students.”
Starting again next month— in collaboration with the Children Understanding Books (CUBS), Methodist Kids Association (MKA), and the Hay Street United Methodist Church (HSUMC)— MU volunteers will once again provide weekly one-on-one social and academic tutoring to the elementary school’s students.
“This partnership with Methodist University has been so valuable to our students in so many different ways,” said Sarah Beasley, a reading remediation teacher for first and second grade students at Margaret Willis Elementary. “The after-school tutoring program allows our students to perform better academically while building relationships with trusted adults. They always look forward to MU coming and spending time with them.”