I just got back from volunteering at the Scholastic Book Fair our school is having this week. This is another fundraising activity at out school and one that I whole heartedly approve of. Anyone who knows me knows the passion I have for books, and children's books in particular.
The fair is set up in the gym throughout the week. Each class takes turns coming down to browse and purchase books. A letter was sent home last week in the orange folder, alerting parents to the upcoming fair and included an order form. Some parents chose to fill in the form with specific books that they wanted their kids to purchase and sent a check or cash along for the total. Others, myself included, put some money in an envelope and sent it in the folder. When their child went to the fair he/she chose the books they wanted to purchase, within their budget. As a volunteer, I helped the teachers/kids locate and select age appropriate titles to purchase. The best part for me was getting the chance to share some of the books that Lee and I enjoy reading with the teachers and students. I was pleased to see a few books illustrated by Kadir Nelson and titles such as The House In The Night by Susan Marie Swanson and The Lion and the Mouse by Jerry Pinkney.
The teachers did a good job explaining to the kids how much money they had for their purchase, the cost of each book they selected and how much money remained for an additional selection or change. A good practical lesson in money and spending.
It was really great to see how excited the kids were by the books and reading. Nice job, parents!
