Washington St. Patrick School third graders Harry Freehill (left) and Ashton Berlett experience a “book tasting” during “Read Across America” week March 2-6.

WASHINGTON – The entire student body of Washington St. Patrick School participated “Read Across America,” a national week-long celebration from March 2-6.

Mrs. Kathy Schlack, third grade teacher, St. Patrick School, Washington

Mrs. Kathy Schlack’s third grade class was among those taking part. Mrs. Schlack was recognized as one of National Catholic Education Association’s top ten most distinguished teachers in 2013.

This year, Schlack started the week by inviting Father Johnathan Steffen, pastor of St. Patrick in Washington and St. Monica in East Peoria, to read to the students.

“BOOK TASTING”

Students also experienced the joy of discovering their own reading preferences during a “book tasting.”

Book tastings are a popular trend that involve turning the classroom, cafeteria, or library into a “restaurant” or “café,” complete with table cloths, etc.

At St. Patrick in Washington, students received several books to look over in the “Wild One Café” before “ordering” their reading selections.

Father Johnathon Steffen, pastor of St. Patrick in Washington, reads to students. (If only they will grow into adults who listen as closely to their pastors’ sermons!)

Read Across America Week, celebrated from March 2 to 6, is an annual program by the National Education Association (NEA) to promote reading and literacy, particularly among children, and is centered around Dr. Seuss’s birthday (March 2).