Lynx third graders always love to read Kate DiCamillo's Because of Winn-Dixie. This year, their teachers made it even more memorable by throwing a special celebration when they finished the novel.
The students attended a unique Winn-Dixie-themed party resembling the one the characters Opal and Gloria host together in the book. From the snacks down to the music, decorations and animal attendees, every detail of the event connected to the novel in some way.
The party also included a few special guests who helped recreate the storyline. Lower School science teacher Dr. Frass stopped by to play some guitar tunes along with a visit from Luasanne's therapy dog Willow Dunster. Lausanne parent Moses Mignosi also paid a visit and brought Holly, the family bird, with him to join in on the fun.
"If my colleagues and I could bring every book they read to life as we did with the party, we definitely would," Third Grade teacher Shelby Longfellow shared. "I'm thankful there are books like these to make teaching reading so joyful."
Leading up to the party, the third graders continued to develop the narrative reading skills they started working on during their first reading unit but dug deeper, analyzing characters and trying to understand what motivated them. Students studied the underlying lessons of each character and looked closely at how these lessons are a part of the theme or message of the story.
"The party was really fun for everyone involved, but reading and discussing the text over the course of the unit was the most special," Longfellow said. "Our students were incredibly thoughtful and shared many deep connections and observations as they learned more about the main character through her journey."
This story was written by communications intern Mia-Miracle.