Christ Child Society holds literacy event

  • CCS member Pat Lees reads to the first grade students at Gesu Elementary School.
    CCS member Pat Lees reads to the first grade students at Gesu Elementary School.
  • Seventh and eighth graders read “Today I Will Fly,” by Mo Willems, to groups of first and second grade students.
    Seventh and eighth graders read “Today I Will Fly,” by Mo Willems, to groups of first and second grade students.

    The Christ Child Society of Toledo recently joined other chapters throughout the United States in participating in a National Day of Service.

    All chapters were encouraged to plan an activity with a literacy theme for children in the community. The theme for the 2022 CCS National Day of Service was “Read, Imagine, Succeed: Embrace the Possibilities.”

    The Toledo chapter held events at Rosary Cathedral and Gesu elementary schools.

    At Rosary Cathedral School, seventh and eighth grade students helped to facilitate the reading event for first and second grade students at the start of the school day on Friday, October 28. Students were divided into eight groups and sat in circles scattered throughout the school gymnasium.

    The older students read the story “ Today I Will Fly,” by Mo Willems, and asked questions which the younger students were eager to answer.

    Prior to the event, the junior high students had the opportunity to view the book being read in a YouTube video and discussed how pointing out the illustrations and their expressive delivery would make the story more exciting for the younger primary grade students.

    Each of the 35 primary grade students received a copy of the book and a keepsake piggy to remind them that they should always keep on trying and that it is okay to ask for help with whatever you are trying to do.

    The first and second grade teachers were provided with resources to use as a follow-up lesson with their students.

    As a thank-you gift, the older student readers also received an age appropriate book and their teacher received a set of books for their classroom.

    The event at Rosary Cathedral was facilitated by CCS Toledo President Pat Galvin.

    At Gesu Elementary School, CCS member Pat Lees, from Holland, read “I Will Fly” by Mo Willems to the first grade students.

    The students shared a lot of laughter and loved the story.

    Each student received a copy of the book to read at home.

    CCS Toledo has tutoring programs at Gesu and Queen of Apostles schools. Members also staff the school libraries at Cathedral and Hope Learning Academy.