In honor of National Read Aloud Day and to serve as a kick off for Black History Month, some members of the Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Inc. visited Hawthorne Elementary School in Lorain on Feb. 1 to read books to the students.
Hawthorne is located at 610 W. 20th St.
“Our sorority recently purchased books we will read to the students and donate to the school’s library,” said Erica Jackson, member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority. “We want kids to hear encouraging and empowering stories.
“These stories have good, strong role models for the kids to learn something from.”
Jackson said the book selections were made to embody what Black History Month is all about.
“The books tell African American stories and utilize beautiful African American art styles,” she said. “The books express African American culture in a way for students to understand and learn more about it.”
Ultimately, Jackson hopes the students learn something about African American culture.
“They need to get a sense of why we take a month out of the year to celebrate black history,” she said. “I hope they are able to see the struggles of the culture, but also the triumphs despite terrible circumstances.
“I hope they see themselves in these characters and learn more about their history. Life lessons of perseverance, toughness, hard work and kindness are what permeate from the pages of these books; I hope the kids see and understand that.”
Jackson said African American culture is not often talked about in schools.
“It’s exposure that students will not get with the regular curriculum,” she said. “That’s why it is important to take advantage of Black History Month, to find a way to educate students on African American culture and what makes it so special.”
Jackson said she went through a list of criterion when selecting the books.
“I wanted the book to be of the appropriate reading level, but also convey the importance of African American culture,” she said. “I made sure the books were short in order to keep the students’ attention spans. I also wanted books the kids would be interested in reading.”
Jackson said National Read Aloud Day is one that is important for student development.
“Kids should learn how to read, but reading to them is just as important,” she said. “Students will pick up good habits and it helps them develop proper skills.
“It also helps to have someone come in other than their teacher. Students are typically more attentive when a guest comes in.
“We will keep it exciting for them and kickoff the month in a great way.”
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