WILD about READING

By Elise Franco

Elvis impersonator gets schoolhouse rocking

A Frank Ohl reading program allows students to choose their own books and genres.

AUSTINTOWN — Staff members at Frank Ohl Intermediate School are getting students “All Shook Up” about reading.

From Monday through the beginning of May, fourth- and fifth-graders at Frank Ohl will participate in the Wild About Reading campaign, and Friday was the campaign kickoff.

Lisa Marucci, literary coach, said the kickoff assembly, which featured singing from the choir and performances from local Elvis impersonator Ronnie Navarra, was designed to excite students about reading.

“The idea is to expose them to different genres,” she said. “They’ll become well-versed and have that experience in reading.”

Marucci said language-arts teachers in each grade level will read three books aloud to students. She said the three books, “All Shook Up,” “Crooked River” and “Trouble Don’t Last,” were written by Ohio author Shelley Pearsall.

“One of the most important things is modeling the reading,” Marucci said. “Them hearing us read to them helps with that.”

She said she hopes the kids will enjoy the program and reading Pearsall’s books, especially “All Shook Up,” about a boy whose divorced father tries to make a living as Elvis.

Marucci said she brought Navarra in as Elvis on Friday so that the kids would remember him as they’re reading.

“It’s that connection back to Elvis,” she said. “We hope he got them wound up and excited.”

At the end of the campaign, Marucci said Pearsall will come and speak to the students about reading and her books.

In addition, Marucci said fourth- graders will choose four books, each of a different genre, to read on their own, and fifth- graders will choose five books.

She said allowing the kids to select their own books helps them to be more interested in what they’re reading. She said they discuss how to recognize different genres in class.

“Really, we are just looking for authentic time spent reading,” Marucci said.

Cindy Zebosky, fourth-grade language-arts teacher, said her goal is to always get her students involved and excited about reading.

“Sometimes at the fourth-grade level, it’s harder to get them interested,” she said. “Since I love to read, I try to instill that. They hear in my voice the excitement I have when I read to them.”

Anthony Brocious, 10, said he’s excited about the reading campaign kickoff.

“I just like reading,” he said. “I read at home. I read practically anywhere.”

Some of Anthony’s favorite books are the “Diary of a Wimpy Kid” series by Jeff Kinney.

“It’s just really funny,” he said.

Classmate Lila Herdman, 9, agreed and said she likes books that make her laugh.

efranco@vindy.com